TEDx Talks - How to decide if our actions are good | Asker Tekushev | TEDxYouth@ISPrague
The speaker recounts a childhood experience of feeding ducks, which led to a moral lesson from an old lady about the harm of feeding wildlife. This incident sparked a lifelong inquiry into what makes a good person. The speaker discusses moral subjectivism, where individual morals differ based on upbringing and experiences, and moral relativism, which shapes these morals. They argue that everyone views themselves as good from their perspective, but no one can be universally good. Despite this, people strive to be good because it makes them feel happy. The speaker delves into the concept of egoic altruism, where altruistic acts are often motivated by personal satisfaction or social recognition. They cite research showing that many altruistic acts have social or religious motivations. The speaker concludes that feeling good about oneself after doing good deeds doesn't negate the goodness of the act, and encourages the audience to reflect on what being a good person means to them.
Key Points:
- Moral subjectivism and relativism explain why people have different views on what is good.
- Altruistic acts often have selfish motivations, such as feeling good about oneself.
- Research shows that many altruistic acts are motivated by social or religious factors.
- Feeling happy after doing good deeds doesn't make the act less good.
- Reflect on what being a good person means to you and why it's important.
Details:
1. 🚶♂️ A Stroll Through Memory Lane
- The setting is a local park with cobblestone paths, pine trees, and a pond, providing a tranquil environment.
- The narrative centers on a personal walk with family, highlighting themes of reflection and bonding.
- During the walk, specific interactions or thoughts evoke memories, enhancing the sense of nostalgia and connection.
- The experience fosters a deeper appreciation for family ties and personal history, encouraging mindfulness and gratitude.
2. 🦆 A Lesson from the Ducks
- Feeding ducks with bread is a common practice but can be harmful due to its lack of nutritional value.
- An elderly person advises against feeding bread to ducks, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition for their health.
- Bread can cause health issues for ducks, such as malnutrition and digestive problems.
- Instead of bread, it's recommended to feed ducks grains, seeds, or specialized duck feed, which provide the necessary nutrients.
- Raising awareness about the impact of feeding ducks improperly can help protect their well-being and promote healthier ecosystems.
3. 🤔 Moral Dilemma Unfolds
- Feeding animals may cause them to rely on human handouts, which is considered harmful. This highlights the ethical concern of human intervention in animal behavior.
- The speaker's identity and self-perception as a 'good person' were challenged by encountering a differing viewpoint, marking a significant moment of self-reflection and reassessment of personal values.
- The incident serves as a catalyst for exploring conflicting moral values, prompting deeper consideration of the impact of one's actions on the environment and animal welfare.
4. 🔍 The Search for Goodness Begins
- The speaker shares a personal journey that began in middle school and persisted into adulthood, marked by a persistent quest to define what constitutes a 'good person.'
- This exploration was driven by moral confusion and a deep desire to understand ethical behavior, reflecting a lifelong commitment to personal growth.
- The speaker's preparation for a TEDex talk represents a significant milestone in this journey, highlighting the evolution of their thoughts and insights on morality.
- Specific experiences, such as middle school dilemmas and public speaking opportunities, are presented as pivotal moments that shaped the speaker's understanding of goodness.
- The narrative emphasizes the complexity and ongoing nature of defining ethical standards, suggesting that the quest for goodness is both personal and universal.
5. 📚 Understanding Moral Relativism
- Moral subjectivism highlights how personal opinions influence the prioritization of ethical values.
- The speaker's moral views are shaped by their upbringing, notably by parental influence, demonstrating a personal aspect of moral relativism.
- Contrasts between individual ethical values, such as those between the speaker and an old lady, illustrate moral relativism in action.
- Moral relativism is shaped by upbringing, environment, culture, and social influences, providing a broad understanding of its impact on moral perspectives.
- Additional perspectives on moral relativism include how cultural and social contexts contribute to diverse ethical interpretations.
- Examples of moral relativism include differing attitudes towards social norms and ethical dilemmas across cultures.
6. 🌍 Perspectives on Morality
- Moral subjectivism and relativism are influenced by culture, environment, and personal experiences.
- The narrator's upbringing led them to value sharing, even with animals, as positive, illustrating their moral stance.
- An elderly woman's experience led her to view feeding wildlife as harmful, showcasing a different moral perspective.
- Differences in moral views may not stem from upbringing alone but also from the varying life experiences of individuals.
- The example highlights how personal experiences shape subjective moral beliefs.
7. ❓ Reevaluating What it Means to be Good
- Morality is subjective, varying from person to person, meaning everyone views themselves as a good person from their own perspective.
- No single action is universally considered good, as there will always be someone who perceives it negatively.
- Despite the subjective nature of morality, individuals continue to strive to be good according to their own definitions.
- Historical philosophical inquiries, stretching from 360 BC to the 17th century, have failed to definitively explain why people are driven to be good.
- In contemporary society, subjective morality leads to diverse interpretations and practices of ethical behavior.
8. 👥 The Dual Nature of Altruism
- Reflecting on personal experiences helps define what being a good person means on an individual level, rather than relying solely on external definitions.
- Performing good deeds, such as helping someone in need or comforting a friend, enhances personal happiness and self-image as a good person.
- Encouraging self-reflection on recent altruistic actions promotes relaxation and increases the perception of oneself as a good person.
- Personal altruism impacts broader social interactions by fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
- Examples of altruistic actions include volunteering at local shelters, helping a neighbor with errands, or providing emotional support to friends and family.
9. 🤔 Personal Reflection on Goodness
- Majority of altruistic acts have social motivations such as gaining respect or status.
- 90% of altruistic acts in Pakistan are religiously motivated, according to the Pakistan Center for Philanthropy.
- Empathy altruism theory suggests brain distress signals lead to helping behaviors, questioning the nature of good acts.
- Altruistic acts may have selfish components but feeling good after helping doesn't negate their goodness.
- Feeling happy with oneself may be a central purpose of performing good acts, reflecting personal insights on goodness.
10. 🔍 Conclusion: Defining Goodness for Yourself
- Reflect on what is valuable in your life to define what a good person looks like for you.
- Consider why finding your own definition of a good person is important for personal development and fulfillment.