【Contemporary Issues and Ethics】 Common Test Success Notes
Hello! In this chapter, we will explore "problems without a single correct answer" that are occurring in the modern society we live in, from an ethical perspective. Due to advancements in science and technology and social changes, many new problems have emerged that people in the past never had to worry about.
It might feel difficult at first, but these are all familiar topics directly connected to our daily lives. So, let’s relax and progress while imagining, "How would I think about this?"
1. Bioethics
These are issues that arose because the evolution of medicine and life sciences has allowed humans to "control" life itself.
Quality of Life (QOL) and Sanctity of Life (SOL)
In the past, "living for even one second longer" was considered most important (Sanctity of Life: SOL). However, in the modern era with advanced medical technology, the perspective that emphasizes "not just living, but living in a human-like and satisfying way" (Quality of Life: QOL) has become widespread.
Right of Self-Determination and Informed Consent
The right to "decide for yourself about matters concerning your own body" is called the right of self-determination. For this to work, it is essential to have informed consent, where you receive sufficient explanation from a doctor and give your agreement based on that understanding.
Example: Listening carefully to the risks and benefits before surgery and deciding for yourself whether or not to undergo it.
Euthanasia and Death with Dignity
Be careful, as these are often confused!
・Euthanasia: Artificially accelerating the end of life using drugs or other methods.
・Death with Dignity: Refusing excessive life-prolonging treatment and meeting death naturally while maintaining human dignity.
【Key Point】
Whether or not brain death is recognized as "human death" is often tested in relation to the Organ Transplant Act. Currently, organ donation is possible with the family's consent unless there is a clear intention of refusal from the individual.
【Common Mistake】
✕ Informed consent is something the doctor decides.
〇 It is a process for the patient themselves to be convinced and make the choice!
★ Summary of this section:
Precisely because science has advanced, an individual's intent (self-determination) regarding "how to die" and "how far to treat" has become extremely important.
2. Environmental Ethics
This is the ethics of how humans interact with the global environment. We need to graduate from the mindset that "as long as we are fine, that's all that matters."
Breaking Away from Anthropocentrism
Until now, anthropocentrism—the idea that "nature is a tool to be used for human benefit"—was the mainstream. However, the Earth cannot sustain this. As a result, perspectives that value nature itself and views that humans are also part of an ecosystem have emerged.
Intergenerational Ethics
This is the idea that the current generation has a responsibility not to use up all resources, but to pass on the environment so that future generations are not in trouble. This is called sustainable development (sustainability).
Example: Like cleaning up and leaving food in the fridge at a share house so the next person isn't inconvenienced.
【Trivia】 "Spaceship Earth"
Economist Kenneth Boulding compared the Earth to a "spaceship" with limited resources. If we throw away trash or waste resources as we please, everyone will end up in a crisis, right?
★ Summary of this section:
When it comes to environmental issues, it is important to broaden our perspective beyond "current humanity" to include "future generations" and "other living organisms."
3. Ethics in an Information Society
How should we behave in a society where the Internet has become a part of everyday life?
Anonymity and Responsibility
Because you can hide your name in the online world (anonymity), people tend to become aggressive. However, you must not forget that there is a real human being on the other side of the screen.
Digital Divide
The gap in information access and income between those who can use IT and those who cannot is called the digital divide. There is concern that this leads to social inequality.
Intellectual Property Rights
Music, writing, and images created by others are their property. Copying or publishing them without permission is wrong, both ethically and legally.
【Key Point】 Ubiquitous Society
A society where one can connect to information networks "anytime, anywhere, by anyone." While convenient, be aware that it is always side-by-side with risks like privacy infringement and information leaks.
★ Summary of this section:
The Internet is not a magic tool. Just like in the real world, you need respect for others (netiquette) and a heart that respects the rules.
4. Family, Community, and Diverse Issues
The human relationships and social rules familiar to us are also changing.
Gender and Equality
In contrast to biological sex (sex), social and cultural roles are called gender. The goal is a society where individuals can demonstrate their capabilities without being bound by stereotypes like "men should work outside" and "women should do housework."
Multiculturalism
This is the idea that people with different cultures respect each other's cultures without denying them and coexist together. Related to this, creating a society where everyone can live normally regardless of whether they have a disability is called normalization.
【Memorization Tip: Organizing Katakana terms】
・Paternalism: When someone in a position of power interferes for the benefit of someone in a weaker position (the "it's safe if I just leave it to the doctor" mindset). In modern times, "self-determination" is prioritized over this.
・Literacy: The ability to correctly understand and effectively use information.
★ Summary of this section:
With the spirit that "everyone is different, and everyone is good," recognizing diversity is the key word for future society.
Great work! Modern issues are complex, but the foundation is "respecting others" and "taking responsibility for your own actions." On the Common Test, you are often asked not just about the meaning of terms, but about the reasoning behind "why is this a problem?" So, try reviewing while keeping the images from this article in mind. I'm rooting for you!