Morality is often described as a social system of rules that allows people to resolve disputes rationally and without resorting to force. This allows the relationship affected by the dispute to endure and perhaps even thrive. Most disputes revolve around who has the right to what goods. Therefore, morality is based on the pursuit of goods as well as the avoidance or redress of wrongdoing. Therefore, it is possible to claim that any activity has the purpose of creating some benefit or avoiding harm. (McGill’s Life Insurance Chapter 18).
There are many ways that ethicalists can approach a wide range of problems. But ethics is primarily about improving the quality of life and maintaining justice and fairness. This is the main message. It is important to follow one’s interests honestly and unselfishly. With particular attention to treating everyone equally. Logically, this would imply that different treatment methods can be justified only if there are relevant differences. On the other hand, selfish behavior is when one pursues his own interests without considering the needs of others.
It can be difficult at time to treat two (or more) situations/persons/objects exactly the same. A married couple may have twin boys. The one who is entitled should be the other. This is something children recognize early in life. A sibling receiving something different than what they get is not fair. As soon as children learn to recognize differences and use reason, fairness is a part of their daily lives. If we believe that all people are similar in morally important respects, then everyone should be treated equally in all respects. This can be difficult to grasp at times, especially when terrorists kill innocent people and commit atrocities.
Nevertheless, many of us were taught the Golden Rule. “Do unto other as you would like them to do unto you.” This principle reinforces that all people are the same in most respects. It is also repeated in this text.
While some may consider “selfishness” unethical in relation to the principle of fairness and others might see it as unethical, “selfishness” does not necessarily refer to the pursuit of self-interest. This is acceptable and natural. Self-interest is perfectly normal and acceptable. Selfishness is, however, when someone pursues their own self-interest at the expense or benefit of another person. This is when they put their own interests ahead of those of others when it will harm the other party. For example, if you eat so much food that there isn’t enough for everyone else at the party, this could be considered selfishness. If multiple people want or need the same thing, but one person cannot have it, then who (and how) decides who gets it and why? Because such situations are common, society has established rules for fair distributions. These are the ethical rules of society.
As societies develop, ethical rules are created. Justice and the improvement of the quality life require that there be some form of rules for proper behavior. They are usually developed through trial and error, as well as the assigning of responsibilities. This not only helps to sustain society but also allows it grow. In the western world, those societies in the Greco-Roman-Judeo-Christian tradition developed these general principles into more specific rules based upon the Ten Commandments, which include prohibitions against murder, stealing, lying, adultery, etc., as a template for judging proper behavior. These Commandments are meant to reinforce the prohibitions against selfishness, unfairness, and coercion.
As far back as human history can remember, civilization has advanced through the distribution of goods. The first acknowledgments of civility were made by those who could get food from the land. They traded with hunters. For example, if a farmer of food could not obtain what would be considered “equal compensation in barter for meats from the hunters, then either an arrangement was made or war could occur. A market allows for free trade of goods, but both sides must consent to it. If they don’t benefit equally, neither side would consent.
This is insurance that sells products as market transactions. It is obvious that misleading the product or withholding important information would not permit informed consent. Therefore, misappropriation of buyer’s goods can be seen. This type of sale, regardless of how one views it, would be considered an unjust and unfair transaction and is, in essence, a form theft.
To be fair and just, it is necessary to establish procedures for the distribution and payment of benefits. The relationship between the obligation-holder and the recipient of the right determines what is a right. If I have a right, there will be others who are bound to provide it. You have certain obligations as a parent to provide education and care for your child. (No, the parent is not required to provide a child with a car for his 16th birthday …). However, there are some relationships that can be formed because of your commitment to them. Societies create divisions of labor and set up jobs for people. There are also those who accept the responsibility of one or more of these positions. Commitment to work and relationships automatically comes with responsibilities.
Assuming that most of the jobs or social rules that we take on are legal, necessary, and beneficial to society, we need to look at the relationships that result from the division of labor. The relationships can help us determine our responsibilities in relation to how we apply ethics to the insurance industry, and thus the rights and responsibilities for those working in the industry. This text will discuss ethically questionable practices in order to show why or how they can be improved. The reasons for and against a practice that is considered problematic will be discussed.
