Magazine article
The Ochlocratic Trap
MSLaneous , Vol.16(6), p.18
06/01/1989
Abstract
When we defend our acts by merely citing the approval of others, we fall into the “ochlocratic trap.” This is the mob approach to ethics, and it doesn’t work. Although Copernicus knew our solar system was heliocentric, most of his contemporaries thought it to be geocentric. Likewise, proper ethical action will often meet with public disapproval.
Ethics can be compared to science. Both:
Start out with a hypothesis
Collect data
Seek the truth
Using the scientific method in ethics would involve:
Formulation of a hypothesis
Testing the hypothesis with a vigorous, open debate
Deciding which parts of the hypothesis withstood the debate
In science and ethics, an individual or a pair of people working in close unison make major breakthroughs. Rarely does the consensus do it.
Ethics can be approached scientifically. With this approach, we find no security by following the majority. This way demands we always consider new evidence or more logical thinking, not a democratic approach.
The ochlocratic trap must be avoided if we are to make ethical advances.
Citation: Heston TF. The Ochlocratic Trap. MSLaneous ~1989, p 18.
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Details
- Title
- The Ochlocratic Trap
- Creators
- Thomas F Heston - Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Publication Details
- MSLaneous , Vol.16(6), p.18
- Academic Unit
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Publisher
- St. Louis Mensa
- Identifiers
- 99901107735101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Magazine article