The Pursuit

We have arrived at the point in ethics where we look at legislation. Things that pertain to primary happiness, such as discussing and practicing philosophical matters, creativity and pursuing dreams, are areas that laws shouldn't touch. This is what is meant by protecting "rights". But in practical matters, those that have to do with character, such as honesty and having just transactions, we need laws.

In a perfect society, everyone would be just and kind to themselves and to their neighbors. Unfortunately, there are always people who have less than perfect character. The reasons are numerous as we have discussed in past blogs but the fact remains that some only obey through penalties. It is best that we learn through instruction rather than hard knocks and pain but at least some of us learn that way. For those who refuse to exhibit good character regardless of the method, we need laws. The worse a society is character-wise, the more strain is on the legal system. So we should encourage those who teach good character and should make it a part of our public curriculum.  

In a prison, inmates enjoy necessities and are constantly forced to treat each other properly. They lose their rights, the ability to pursue dreams, as a penalty for violating laws that protect themselves and others. We don't want a society that is set up like a prison and need to preserve rights while at the same time maintaining order. By focusing on having just transactions between people in a society, the pursuit of happiness can also be preserved. We see this in our family interactions also. As long as people act according to virtue, they should be free to pursue their passions.

Utopian philosophies although primary to happiness have little use in the practical sense. The secondary part of happiness that has to do with satisfaction and character will always need laws based in character. These laws must also protect the primary pursuits for each individual. The simplified term used years ago was separation of church and state. But today we have a myriad of utopian ideas based in personalities, probabilities and forces. No system is practical without its individuals possessing good character. Its people must be ruled by laws based in virtue. This is what we are after when we study Ethics.