ETHICS 121

Paper 2

STUDENT NAME AND NO.: Zachary Swartz (4273680)

ASSIGNMENT TOPIC: Critically discuss the history and contemporary significance of

the Golden Rule. Is it a realistic ethic in terms of human reality?

TUTOR : Sloan De Vries

TUTORIAL GROUP : 16

DECLARATION

1. We know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is to use another's work and pretend that it is
one's own.

2. Each significant contribution to, and quotation in this exercise that we have taken from the
work(s) of other people has been attributed, has been cited & referenced.

3. This exercise is our own work.

4. We have not allowed and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of
passing it off as their own work.

DATE : 22 September 2023

Introduction
Within this essay I will be discussing the Golden Rule, the origin of the Golden Rule and the
history thereof. I will be discussing the contemporary significance of the Golden Rule and
whether the Golden Rule is a realistic ethic today and I will be using scholars to substantiate
my opinions.

The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is known as the ethic of reciprocity and is commonly found in the scriptures
of most religions and secular philosophies. This rule encourages people to treat others the
way they would like to be treated. (Parrott, 2018) It is an ethical and moral principle that
continues to have deep historical roots and an important focal point for interfaith dialogue.
(Parrott, 2018) It is often expressed in various forms and contexts, but generally conveys the
idea of empathy and compassion. (Wattles, 1987) The most familiar version of the Golden
Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Puka, 2016) This rule
appears to be a nearly universal maxim among people.
This rule is accepted by most cultures and religions, as it is a practical moral rule. (Bruton,
2004) Even with the numerous deviations of the Golden Rule, it seems as if there is not a
single source of this rule. (Bruton, 2004) The concept of the Golden Rule can also be found
in Hindu scriptures, where it is known as the “Law of Karma”. (Bakker, 2013) According to
this law, every action has a consequence and eventually you shall experience the effects of
those actions. (Bakker, 2013) Therefore, if we want to be treated with kindness and
compassion, we should treat others in the same way. (Bakker, 2013) As in the Mahabharata, a
poem that inspires Hindu traditions, the following proverb is stated, “One should not behave
towards others in a way which is disagreeable to oneself. This is the essence of morality. All
other activities are due to selfish desire.” (Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva 113.8) Another
religious belief that uses the Golden Rule is the Buddhist, in the “Metta Sutta”. (Wattles,
1987) They focus more on the compassionated element of the rule. As it recognises an
inherent connection between human beings. (Rakhshani, 2017) As it states that, “if one loves
himself or herself, he or she should necessarily love others the same or at least not harm
them.” (Dhammapada, verse 183) This sutra teaches one to cultivate benevolence and
compassion for all beings, including ourselves. (Wattles, 1987)
Some religions emphasize this principle more than others and seems not to be a moral
principle but advice for caution. (Wattles, 1987) The rule applies to all human interactions.
(Wattles, 1987) However, it has also been considered to illuminate our relationship with God
and served as a method of controlling our behaviour towards all sentient beings, as in
Jainism. (Wattles, 1987)
Contemporary significance of the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule remains relevant today as this principle is taught throughout as a
foundational principle for the fostering of healthy interpersonal relationships. (Wang, 1999)
This principle promotes empathy, compassion and reciprocity, essential components of
building trust and understanding among individuals. (Wang, 1999) It is a simple yet effective
moral guideline that can guide us in our dealings with others. When we are more inclined to
treat people with kindness, respect, and compassion when we follow the Golden Rule. This
can result in more peaceful relationships as well as a more just and equal society. (Rakhshani,
2017)
The Golden Rule is important for promoting empathy and understanding. When we put
ourselves in the shoes of others, we are better able to see the world from their perspective and
understand their needs and feelings. (Rakhshani, 2017) This can help us resolve conflicts
peacefully and to build stronger relationships. (Rakhshani, 2017) In the article, Rakhshani,
explains how the most effective and powerful way to achieve world peace is the adherence to
the Golden Rule. (Rakhshani, 2017) She explains how this rule provides peace throughout the
world through its mechanism (Rakhshani, 2017) and examines how the Golden Rule can have
the potential to deescalate conflicts and promote peaceful resolutions through empathy and
understanding. (Rakhshani, 2017)
In our increasingly diverse world, the Golden Rule offers common moral ground that
transcends religious and cultural boundaries. (Burton & Goldsby, 2005) It provides a
framework for respecting and appreciating differences while recognizing our shared
humanity. (Burton & Goldsby, 2005) The Golden Rule can be used to advocate for fairness
and justice in society. It inspires one to treat others with dignity and to work towards a fairer
society that addresses issues like poverty, discrimination, and inequality. (Bruton, 2004)

Is the golden rule a realistic ethic in terms of today?

While the Golden Rule holds immense ethical influence, its practical application in human
reality faces several challenges. Due to these challenges many authors disregard the rule.
(Wattles, 1987) Many scholars have written that one of the major challenges of the Golden
Rule is that of subjectivity, as the aim of the rule is to distinguish between right and wrong
based on mere preference, as the wants and wishes of an individual are not adequate criteria
of morality. (Bruton, 2004) Other scholars on the other hand, state that the true problem of
the Golden Rule is not its subjective but rather its impartiality and universality. They state
that if this rule was impartial or universal enough it would be able to eliminate all these
possible preferences. (Wang, 1999) Another challenge is that cultural norms and values shape
our understanding of what constitutes respectful treatment. (Burton & Goldsby, 2005) Thus,
if we apply a generalized idea of the Golden Rule across cultures it can lead to
misunderstandings or insensitivity. (Wattles, 1987) The Golden Rule focuses on the
individual interactions, but it does not ignore the individual or societal levels at which
morality operates mostly, thus it is seen that the rule can be considered incomplete. (Burton &
Goldsby, 2005)
This is why the Golden Rule should be understood as a moral principle and not as a moral
rule. (Singer, 1963) This principle should not set out right or wrong or what ought to be,
(Singer, 1963) but rather as an example, educational in nature and consultative. (Wang, 1999)
As a moral principle, the Golden Rule asks that “one should act in relation to others on the
same principles or standards that one would have them apply in their treatment of oneself.”
And this should be seen as the general interpretation of the Golden Rule. (Wang, 1999)

Conclusion
In conclusion the universality of the Golden Rule across nations and faiths emphasises its
importance as a fundamental ethical concept encouraging empathy, compassion, and
reciprocity in human relationships. It is still a guiding idea in modern discussions about ethics
and morality.
Bibliography
Bakker, F. L., 2013. Comparing the Golden Rule in Hindu and Christian Religious Texts.
Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses, 42(1), pp. 38-58.
Bruton, S. V., 2004. Teaching the Golden Rule. Jornal o9f Business Ethics , 49(2), pp. 179-
187.
Burton, B. K. & Goldsby, M., 2005. The Golden Rule and Business Ethics: An Examination.
Journal of Business Ethics, 56(4), pp. 371-383.
Parrott, J., 2018. The Golden Rule in Islam: Ethics of Reciprocity in Islamic Traditions. South
West Wales : University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Puka, B., 2016. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. [Online]
Available at: http://https://iep.utm.edu/goldrule/
[Accessed 10 September 2023].
Rakhshani, Z., 2017. The Golden Rule and its Consequences: A Practical and Effective
Solution for World Peace. Journal of History Culture and Art Research , 6(1), p. 465.
Singer, M. G., 1963. The Golden Rule. THe Journal of the Royal Institute of Philosophy ,
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Philosophy East and West , 49(4), pp. 415-438.
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