Fictional finalism and core ethical values March 10, 2008
Posted by fs2004 in Uncategorized.Tags: Adler, Core Ethical Values, psychology, subway
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In a way, Region 13’s core ethical values are a form of fictional finalism. These values are good to have, but there are times when these values can or even should be upheld. The example I use most often to prove my point (or even just to undermine everything that is set forth by the institution that is Regional District 13) is courage on the New York subway. A year ago Wesley Autrey made national headlines when he saved a man who had fallen onto the tracks at a Manhattan subway station. I have decided that, as reckless as it sounds, I too will dive over the station platform if I am ever in a similar situation on a field trip to New York. After all, I would not want to let the district down on its core ethical values. Furthermore, if kids are responsible all the time, every single day-That is, they cook dinner for the family, take out the trash, always study, and never have fun-they never have a chance to be kids. This applies mostly to children younger than us seniors. I would suppose that this relates to Adler’s concept of overcompensation. Anything in excess is bad.
Okay, I admit that I had not thought of the CEVs this way. I suppose that taken to extremes, or viewed as absolutes, these values could be seen as fictional finalisms, but there’s some ambiguity in them, I think. For example: Mr. Autrey’s courage was courage at least in part because he was successful and survived. If he had died, leaving behind a family, we might have looked at it less favorably, as a reckless sacrifice. And as for responsibility, we have to ask what it looks like for a small child. Perhaps it doesn’t require that they prepare dinner for their families. But perhaps it does require that they pick up their toys when they’re done playing.