248 Epilogueonly to ourselves, but to others.
We have spent considerable time in the study of right and
wrong—morality. If we do not subscribe to any one of the
philosophers studied, at least we will be aware of the importance
of moral choices, and that is a good beginning. Beyond aware
ness, however, are some important ideas which are worth con
sidering. The good as knowledge, moderation, cerebral plea
sure, apathy, God, feelings, sympathy, power, or freedom—
which one or ones make the most sense? How do we apply these
ideas to situations which require action? What have we learned
from premises and the logical implications that follow? If we
subscribe to any of the moral theories set forth by these thinkers,
hopefully it has become apparent that our moral actions take
place in a social/political context.
Thus, we have to consider and act upon moral judgments in
the light of our understanding of the nature of man, the nature of
the state, the type of government which will best serve us in our
quest for the good life—moral and political. What we consider
the state to be, and what we consider to be the rights of citizens,
is important in making judgments about whom to support and
whom to oppose. Our concept of the state and our role within it
will help to determine what position to take on the issues.
Is the whole greater than any of its parts? Aristotle and Plato
seem to think so, and we must decide whether we agree or
disagree with them. If we do, what about individual rights? Men
like Rousseau, and Locke have some interesting answers which
we must consider. Augustine and Aquinas, Machiavelli and
Mussolini, Hegel and Hobbes, Burke and Marx— all deal with
the following questions, and we also ought to consider them.
When does freedom become license? What does one do about
unjust laws, or, if the process is just, can the resultant law be
unjust? Should the brightest rule? What should be the relation
ship between the church and the state? Must we separate public
from private morality? Is absolutism ever justified? Is the social
contract a myth? How do we make our personal j udgments about
the basis for communism and fascism?
Assuming that we answer the important questions about the
state to our own satisfaction— what do we do when the moral and
the political come into conflict?
One of the valuable results of these exercises will be to
humble us in the face of the difficulties encountered. Choices