Introduction
“Ruthlessness, Public and Private” is the podcast episode title in which Very Bad Wizards initiates an in-depth examination of the intricate connections between power, authority, and right and wrong. As individuals currently employed or intend to work in the criminal justice system, the discourse prompts contemplation regarding the ethical dimensions of exercising authority over others. This reflection paper will examine the definition of brutality concerning power. This reflective analysis will draw upon ethical frameworks derived from Utilitarianism by Bentham and Mill, deontological Ethical Formalism by Kant, and Aristotle’s Nicomachean ethics (virtue ethics).
Answering Think & Respond Prompts
Where do you think we should draw the line when it comes to the actions of those in power regarding societal harm?
Aristotle’s virtue ethics helps distinguish between good and bad leadership. Virtue ethics emphasizes the development of good personal traits and suggests that leaders should act virtuously to benefit society (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). A demarcation point is needed to define when behaviors stop prioritizing social well-being and start causing unjustifiable harm. Bentham and Mill’s utilitarianism, which emphasizes maximizing delight while minimizing harm, can also be added to the ethical examination. The natural law-based social contract idea states that leaders should obey the rules everyone agrees on (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). The trust-based, collaborative agreement should stay the same as someone obtains power. However, the show makes me ponder if power impacts mortality. Kant’s deontological Ethical Formalism emphasizes morality and general principles, which may maintain the social contract.
Is there a level of truth in the common phrase ‘power corrupts, and what does that mean for this discussion?
“Power corrupts” means that people in places of authority may do bad things. Utilitarianism might say that the corrupting effect of power is a danger to society’s happiness, which means there needs to be strict ethical oversight (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Power dynamics can cloud our judgment and affect how we judge what is right and wrong (Very Bad Wizards, 2018). This is clear from the podcast’s talk of how public and private immoralities are treated differently.
Should we hold those making these decisions to a higher standard? If so, what would that look like, and how?
By implementing virtue ethics, individuals occupying positions of authority ought to demonstrate moral virtues that establish an elevated benchmark for their behavior (Sellers & Arrigo, 2022). Kant’s deontological Ethical Formalism posits the existence of a moral obligation that transcends the interests of individuals as a whole (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). The process of holding decision-makers to a higher standard necessitates the implementation of stringent ethical evaluation, transparency, and accountability measures. Utilitarianism substantiates this claim by emphasizing actions that maximize the collective good, thereby adhering to the elevated ideal of advancing the welfare of society.
Conclusion
In summary, the podcast encourages a critical analysis of the convergence of ruthlessness, power, and authority within the framework of the criminal justice system. By leveraging ethical frameworks, we adeptly navigate the intricate terrain of discerning permissible acts for individuals in positions of authority and the ethical obligations accompanying such power. As those involved in the criminal justice system, it is crucial to adhere to moral and ethical principles to promote justice and equity in the exercise of authority.
References
Beauchamp, T., & Childress, J. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics: marking its fortieth anniversary. The American Journal of Bioethics, 19(11), 9–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2019.1665402
Sellers, B. G., & Arrigo, B. A. (2022). The narrative framework of psychological jurisprudence: Virtue ethics as criminal justice practice. Aggression and violent behavior, 63, 101671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2021.101671
Very Bad Wizards. (2018, November 20). Episode 152: Ruthlessness, Public and Private. https://verybadwizards.com/episode/episode-152-ruthlessness-public-and-private
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