Thine state doth decree

Thomas Agrusti

Joe Oyler

May 3, 2012

Thy State Doth Decree

                Through my system of beliefs, the primary concern becomes the wellness of self. However, as I do not plan to commit first degree murder, my perspective must shift to judge the moral stability of the state and, as such, this essay should take on my societal lens.

                In the theory that the utilitarian benefit of the state is rendered to an equation, then the value of several lives is to be valued over the life of one. By this decree, if a person or persons should feel that endangering the life or lives of several other human beings, the state thereby has the power vested in itself to render that person into a lesser state of human being, as a human being should be a creature of compassion and consideration of the equal value of life from one to another, never putting it’s own ability over that of another, as this is an unjustified power. As such, the person or person should be regarded as incredibly damaging to the wellness of the people and of the stability of the state as a whole. By this, thy state doth decree that the penalty of death be a viable solution, as to uphold the stability and solidarity of our great nation, God willing.

                By changing my lens to this perspective, of the statesman, I find it far easier to judge the society from its position as opposed to my own person regard for others. This power is not one that I find vested in me, and, as such, should not take into consideration how I would use this power. I also feel that, beyond a set of principles, a person must be able to use this shift in perspective so that they may not become dogmatic in nature, as I have been guilty of, and take into effect the perceptions of other persons.

                The only means for one to become more ethical in nature is to set up a very well defined image of ethics. Once one has knowledge of what it means to be ethical, that person must then strive to achieve this goal, without ever believing this to be an ultimatum, as no human being, no matter their level of experience or wisdom, should ever testify to one inarguable philosophy for two reasons. .Firstly, this seems like an incredulous and foolish idea as to find such a grandiose philosophy would be highly unlikely, as would its potential to be ultimately beneficial to all parties, bearing no negative consequence to those around the person. Secondly, even if some person or persons were to find such a miraculous philosophical state, I would still feel that life would be dull living upon these principles, as it is the argument we find with ourselves that brings about the glory of growth and change. Even in old age, I would not want to find my philosophical journey at an end. Socrates stated it best in his famous quote, “I am the wisest man in the world, for I know that I know nothing.”