Henry Ryals

2015-2016
FRINQ: Work of Art
Craig / Cummings
Goal Interpretation: Ethics and Social Responsibility
To me, Ethics & Social Responsibility means the morals that make us human and the
obligations expected of us in a just society. The UNST defines it as the impact and value of
individuals and their choices on society intellectually, socially, and personally. My definition
differs greatly from the UNST definition. I focused more on abstract ideas of ethics and the
social contract whereas the UNST definition focuses on the impact of actions we take as
individuals. I feel that the UNST definition does a better job of achieving its goal than my
definition because it shows people the effects of actions and lets them decide for themselves
what is just and ethical.
In our class, we discussed the ethics of certain works of art and weather or not they were
exploitative. We were never told an answer, merely posed the question and given the opportunity
for discussion. I thought this exemplified the UNST definition of ethics & social responsibility.
Over the course of this year, Ethics & Social Responsibility have played a constant role
in my learnings. In my FRINQ class during every topic we cover, we discuss the social
implications and morality of the situation. It has caused me to view lessons through that lens
more often than I previously would have, and to ask questions pertaining to ethics & social
responsibility even when it wasnt the topic at hand.

Learning about ethics and social responsibility has given me a better understanding of the
impact of my actions on the world around me. I now act with more tact and consideration for
those who I am speaking to. Furthermore, I now have a clearer idea of what is moral and just and
how it applies to individuals. I believe it is crucial that we all, as individuals and as a society,
continue to develop our sense of ethics and social responsibility in order to make the world a
more fair and equal place.