Discuss Gert’s 10 rules for all types of actions that are either forbidden or required.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Rule 1: “Do not kill.” This guideline prevents the most serious of harms—the
permanent loss of consciousness.
Rule 2: “Do not cause pain.” Everyone wants to avoid pain, whether physical or mental.
Rule 3: “Do not disable” (“Do not deprive of ability.”). It is possible to disable someone
physically (amputations and blinding), mentally (fostering addictions and creating
phobias), and volitionally (restricting movement).
Rule 4: “Do not deprive of freedom.” This rule extends beyond physical imprisonment. It also
includes job discrimination, which denies employment opportunities to certain groups, and
stealing, which limits the options of victims. In addition, the dictum addresses “freedom
from being acted upon.” Individuals have the right to avoid unwanted sexual touching and
invasions of privacy, for instance.
Rule 5: “Do not deprive of pleasure.” Pleasure takes a variety of forms, such as sleep, sexual
satisfaction, and beauty. Depriving others of their rest, sexual enjoyment (through female
circumcision, for example), or beauty (by destroying artworks or architecture) are
violations of this standard.
Rule 6: “Do not deceive.” Lying is only one way to deceive. Other forms of deception include
withholding needed information, spreading false rumors, and fostering faulty assumptions.
Rule 7: “Keep your promises.” This rule covers both formal promises like labor contracts as
well as informal promises made to other individuals. Often there are legal consequences for
violating formal promises, such as when a company breaks the terms of a contract with a
vendor.
Rule 8: “Do not cheat.” Cheating involves acting unfairly in a way that gives the cheater an
advantage. Common examples of cheating include plagiarizing on academic papers, bribing
a foreign official to get a building contract, tinkering with a scale, and, as we saw in Chapter
1, cheating on auto emissions tests.
Rule 9: “Obey the law.” With some exceptions (i.e., segregation statutes), laws generally
keep society functioning smoothly. They stop violations of the first five rules, which
prevent harm.
Rule 10. “Do your duty.” This rule covers those who play particular roles in
society—doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, and professors. They must carry out the
duties associated with their positions (treating the sick, representing clients, providing
objective financial advice, presenting course content) or face condemnation. Rule 10 also
applies to duties that arise from particular situations. We expect individuals to help others
in need if they are in close proximity and can do so.