Ethical Lens Inventory
As a surprise to me, my ethical viewpoint falls largely in the reputation lens category. The more I read on the characteristics of the reputation lens the more it was clear to me that this lens inventory was right on. It helped define my thought process and the reasons I choose to do the things I do. It allowed me to reflect on my ability of listening to my intuition. It explains why I am so torn at times about what the right thing to do is vice what feels right at that moment. I have a very communal view. I side with the character trait and virtues of what is better for the community. I have always been like that and when I was younger I remember thinking that communism couldn’t possibly be that bad.
I’ve learned through this exercise that my preferred ethical lens not only has many weaknesses but also leads to much confusion. I have always held appointed officials at higher standards only to be disappointed by their more than humanly mistakes. Instead of identifying with people as individuals I associate them by their roles. I develop unrealistic virtues for people with various roles (Catholic diocese).
My gift and what I ultimately consider strength, is my compassion for others. I value equality and “care about the community as a whole and about its individual members”. I am able to relate to people and their situations. Sometimes feeling compassion for people causes conflict in my personal and professional life, as I am torn and find it difficult to hold them responsible for their actions.
I risk becoming self-righteous when I lack compassion for others. I have noticed that in my parenting I tend to disregard constructive criticism. I need to come to the understanding that if I rely too much on my virtues and not gain a proper view of the big picture, I too can become wrapped up in my own agenda. Equality and sensibility are listed as my core values. I believe that if we take into consideration the entire group vice a few people the greatest good can be accomplished. I tend to take apart situations and make sense out of them. Individually I deconstruct dilemmas and attempt to make sense of them. This is time consuming and sometimes very difficult to navigate. My heart and head are constantly at a tug of war. To balance my life and lessen my confusion I need to remember to practice mindfulness and reflection in my everyday occurrences.