Ethics and Empathy: Budding Philosophers Should Know Better

 

In the recent SEALS Cup football match that was held on Monday, 16th of October between our very own Plato Academy and the Department of Educational Management, an incident occurred that shed light on the ethical responsibilities of philosophy students. As the players from the Philosophy department were leading, a passionate spectator from the losing side began screaming at the top of her voice. Little did she know that this moment of intense emotional expression would turn into a viral meme, causing unintended harm to the girl and raising ethical questions for all Philosophy students.

The power of social media and the internet can be both a blessing and a curse. In this case, it quickly turned a fleeting emotional outburst into a widely shared meme. While some might argue that it's all in good fun and provided amusement, the consequences for the girl in the video were anything but entertaining. She found herself at the center of online ridicule and mockery, which took a significant toll on her mental and emotional well-being. The video had transformed from a moment of vulnerability into a source of distress.

This incident brings into focus the ethical implications of our actions, especially for students of philosophy. Philosophy, at its core, is the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. It encourages critical thinking and introspection. Thus, philosophy students are expected to demonstrate a higher level of ethical responsibility, not just in their academic pursuits but also in their everyday lives.

One of the central principles of ethical philosophy is empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In this context, empathy requires philosophy students to consider the impact of their actions on those around them. It means understanding that the viral video, while amusing to some, could be deeply distressing to the girl in question. Empathy calls for restraint and kindness, recognizing that the pleasure derived from another's suffering is not morally justifiable.

Additionally, philosophy students are often encouraged to examine the consequences of their actions from a utilitarian perspective. Utilitarian ethics focuses on maximizing overall well-being and minimizing harm. In this case, the video's dissemination caused harm to the girl's mental health, as stated by her roommate. From a utilitarian standpoint, sharing the video is ethically questionable because it contributed to harm rather than well-being.

Ethical behavior should not be limited to the classroom but should extend into every facet of life. The incident at the football match serves as a reminder that philosophy students, as future ethical thinkers and influencers, must practice what they learn. In this digital age, where information spreads like wildfire, the responsibility to use their knowledge for the betterment of society is more significant than ever.

While some students of philosophy may argue that the video gave them pleasure, they should remember that true pleasure should not come at the expense of someone else's suffering. This event should prompt reflection on the ethical choices we make in our daily lives, reminding us that, as philosophy students, we are not just scholars but also moral agents with a responsibility to promote ethical behavior and empathy.