A Conscious Reflection
Ethics is the explicit, philosophical reflection on moral beliefs and practices. The difference between ethics and morality is similar to the difference between musicology and music. Ethics is a conscious stepping back and reflecting on morality, just as musicology is a conscious reflection on music.
When we step back to allow ourselves to indulge and wallow in our reflexive, emotional response to events forcing a decision, we are at our most human.
We are not Boss or Manager or Decider. We are, by stepping away, stepping into our humanity. Which means we are at our most connected to our neighbour. We are We.
What better place to reflect on morality? Elbow to elbow with those who our decision may affect?
If we skip Step 1, we remain aloof, distant, disconnected, arrogant, selfish. Me.
If we are to decide and act ethically, we must Step Back.