Can we ever objectively justify doing something of questionable morality or acting in a way that is not within the norms of accepted behavior? I know that in moments of crisis or extreme temptation that we can justify to ourselves doing something unethical but what about under regular circumstances?
From time to time you may find yourself in situations under which you are not under dire threat or where your direct interests were not under peril and acting in an ethical manner might be bearable if maybe a little personally painful. You would suffer a little but it would not be a huge loss. Under these circumstances you might be tempted into using information in a way it was not meant or acting in a way that was not strictly speaking “nice”. But normally you would turn down the opportunity to act in anything but the most proper way.
Where does an honest person draw the line? How dire does a situation have to be before you are “allowed” to act in an immoral way and be able to claim exigent circumstances? Do you feel bad afterwards? Why?
Do you in fact have a duty to act with noble intent under all conditions? Are you bound to be honorable even under conditions when you are in imminent danger and bound not to act in defense of your being?
Is a threat to your livelihood, love life, or even just your mental state enough to excuse your actions? Is it really that black and white and straightforward? Should it be? Why? Are these questions uncomfortable?
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