ETHICS
Why Be Moral?
Plato tells the story of Gyges (The Republic, Book II),a shepherd, who finds a magic ring. When Gyges turns the ring 180˚,he becomes invisible, and upon turning the ring again, hereappears. Under the cloak of invisibility he performs a series ofunethical and immoral acts, including murder. He is a villain androgue yet becomes wealthy and famous. Gyges not only accruesbenefits by appearing to be moral but also enjoys the bounty reapedfrom wrongdoing with no punishing consequences – he will never becaught!
Now imagine a second magic ring given to a just and uprightindividual. Will the temptation to engage in wrong-doing forpersonal gain be too great? Knowing there will be no punishingconsequences, would a good person quickly turn into a scoundrel?Given the situation just described, why the need to be moral?
What would you do if you were given a Gyges ring?
Discuss your answer in 100-150 words minimum.
For further references:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qjGp6TWqe4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMl4AeBpVQE
