2 Theories and 1 Citizenship
1. Theories 1 - Deontology
Deontology derives from the Greek word “Deon” meaning “duty” is an ethical theory opposition to consequentialist (Teleology) concern with duties, rights and obligation. It was developed by Immanuel Kant that emphasizes the importance of rules and principles which specifies certain kinds of action and disregards the importance of consequences and compassion.
Deontological views don’t have to be based on religious views. Most people accept some moral rules such as don’t lie, keep promises sincerely made, don’t kill the innocence, etc. For example, a doctor just got word that his whole family was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. Moments later he was ask to perform an emergency surgery on that drunk driver. Based on deontological view the doctor felt conflicted about helping the drunk driver but felt duty bound to save him as a doctor. In deontology (personal versus professional duties), professional duties always comes first.
However deontology theory has its weaknesses. It is far too limited, austere and cold to moral decision making. For instance, if a murderer comes to your door and asks if you know where your friend is hiding and you know exactly where your friend is. According to philosopher Kant it would be wrong to tell a lie in order to save a friend from a murderer.
Deontological views don’t have to be based on religious views. Most people accept some moral rules such as don’t lie, keep promises sincerely made, don’t kill the innocence, etc. For example, a doctor just got word that his whole family was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. Moments later he was ask to perform an emergency surgery on that drunk driver. Based on deontological view the doctor felt conflicted about helping the drunk driver but felt duty bound to save him as a doctor. In deontology (personal versus professional duties), professional duties always comes first.
However deontology theory has its weaknesses. It is far too limited, austere and cold to moral decision making. For instance, if a murderer comes to your door and asks if you know where your friend is hiding and you know exactly where your friend is. According to philosopher Kant it would be wrong to tell a lie in order to save a friend from a murderer.
2. Theories 2 – Virtue Ethics Aristotle
Virtue ethics is an approach of ethics that goes back to Plato and Aristotle that got its roots in the ancient Greek Philosophy. It’s a theory that focuses more on character than action such as what sort of person should I be, virtues and good qualities that make a good life and vices or negative qualities that we should avoid. It also believes that that the ends do not necessarily justify the means.
At the heart of virtue ethics is the search for “eudemonia” a Greek word meaning happiness or flourishing which was a kind of happiness that comes from within and from being a particular kind of person not the kind of happiness you can get let’s say from just winning the lottery. For instance, justice, courage, benevolence and patience are all seen as virtues. According to Aristotle virtue is a skill or something that we can learn or develop through good upbringing or by looking at virtuous people, using them as a role model.
Aristotle argues that these virtues are the main between two extremes (vices). So for instance, courage would be seen as a midpoint of foolhardy and cowardly. One example of a virtuous person is Bill Gates who gives away 37% of his wealth to the charity disregard the loss of the richest man title.
The disadvantages of virtue ethics is that it is accused of not giving enough guidance on a particular moral dilemma.
At the heart of virtue ethics is the search for “eudemonia” a Greek word meaning happiness or flourishing which was a kind of happiness that comes from within and from being a particular kind of person not the kind of happiness you can get let’s say from just winning the lottery. For instance, justice, courage, benevolence and patience are all seen as virtues. According to Aristotle virtue is a skill or something that we can learn or develop through good upbringing or by looking at virtuous people, using them as a role model.
Aristotle argues that these virtues are the main between two extremes (vices). So for instance, courage would be seen as a midpoint of foolhardy and cowardly. One example of a virtuous person is Bill Gates who gives away 37% of his wealth to the charity disregard the loss of the richest man title.
The disadvantages of virtue ethics is that it is accused of not giving enough guidance on a particular moral dilemma.
3. Citizenship - Jus Soli
Citizenship gives us all a sense of belonging. It is a status or membership given to us in a country which involves rights, duties and privileges such as having the rights to travel with the passport of that country; work in the government, etc. It also comes with a responsibility to vote, perform in the military when asked to do so (depends on the country).
There are four main types of citizenship i.e. naturalization, jus soli, jus sanguinis and marriage. Jus soli also known as birthright citizenship is a citizenship that is obtainable when a person is born there and settling down in a place in a certain period of time. Countries that practices jus soli are Malaysia, Brazil, Argentin, United States, etc. In the U.S., jus soli system is followed to determine citizenship. This means whoever is born in the U.S. and is subject to its jurisdiction is automatically granted U.S. citizenship. Many mainland Chinese flock to other countries to give birth partly due to the "one child policy in China" by having their second child born offshore.
Jus sanguinis is the right to a nationality or citizenship given because one has an ancestor (e.g. parent) who has the nationality or citizenship of that particular state. Naturalization allows a person who was born in different country to become a new citizen. For example, in Malaysia a person who was born in different country is required to live in Malaysia for 10 to 12 years prior to the application and speak the Malay language.
Some countries like Malaysia, Singapore, China, Japan, Austria, etc. does not recognize dual citizenship. Therefore, their citizenship will be revoked if a citizen of one country takes on citizenship in another country. For instance, Citizenship could also be revoked for Malaysian expats living abroad who have not registered with the Malaysian Embassy, or citizens who work for a foreign government without permission of the Malaysian government.
There are four main types of citizenship i.e. naturalization, jus soli, jus sanguinis and marriage. Jus soli also known as birthright citizenship is a citizenship that is obtainable when a person is born there and settling down in a place in a certain period of time. Countries that practices jus soli are Malaysia, Brazil, Argentin, United States, etc. In the U.S., jus soli system is followed to determine citizenship. This means whoever is born in the U.S. and is subject to its jurisdiction is automatically granted U.S. citizenship. Many mainland Chinese flock to other countries to give birth partly due to the "one child policy in China" by having their second child born offshore.
Jus sanguinis is the right to a nationality or citizenship given because one has an ancestor (e.g. parent) who has the nationality or citizenship of that particular state. Naturalization allows a person who was born in different country to become a new citizen. For example, in Malaysia a person who was born in different country is required to live in Malaysia for 10 to 12 years prior to the application and speak the Malay language.
Some countries like Malaysia, Singapore, China, Japan, Austria, etc. does not recognize dual citizenship. Therefore, their citizenship will be revoked if a citizen of one country takes on citizenship in another country. For instance, Citizenship could also be revoked for Malaysian expats living abroad who have not registered with the Malaysian Embassy, or citizens who work for a foreign government without permission of the Malaysian government.