#ethical conduct

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Ma’at

The philosophy of Ma’at originates from ancient Egyptian thought and represents the foundational principle of cosmic order, truth, justice, harmony, balance, and morality. Ma’at is both a goddess and a concept, symbolizing the natural law that governs the universe, society, and individual behavior. It played a central role in the ethics, politics, and religious life of ancient Egypt.

Key Principles of Ma’at

Cosmic Order and Harmony:

Ma’at embodies the natural order of the universe, ensuring that all elements of the world—both physical and metaphysical—exist in balanced harmony. This includes the movement of the stars, the cycles of nature, and human relationships.

Ma’at is the force that counters Isfet, or chaos. Maintaining Ma’at was essential to preserving the stability of the world and preventing the descent into disorder.

Truth and Justice:

Ma’at represents truth in both a literal and moral sense. To live in accordance with Ma’at is to live truthfully, embracing honesty, fairness, and justice.

In Egyptian society, kings (Pharaohs) were expected to rule according to Ma’at, ensuring justice in legal, social, and political matters. Judges and officials invoked Ma’at when making decisions, as justice was seen as a reflection of cosmic balance.

Moral and Ethical Conduct:

Living according to Ma’at involved a commitment to ethical behavior. This included virtues such as truthfulness, integrity, generosity, respect, humility, and compassion.

Individuals were expected to contribute to societal harmony by acting justly and in alignment with the community’s well-being. This included respect for family, honoring ancestors, and maintaining relationships based on mutual fairness and kindness.

Ritual and Religious Practice:

Ma’at was not just an abstract concept but also a goddess worshipped in temples and daily rituals. Pharaohs, as the earthly representatives of Ma’at, were tasked with performing rituals to ensure the continued balance between the gods, nature, and humanity.

Offerings and prayers to Ma’at were meant to maintain cosmic balance, ensuring favorable outcomes such as good harvests, protection from natural disasters, and societal peace.

Ma’at and the Afterlife:

In the afterlife, Ma’at played a key role in the judgment of souls. The Weighing of the Heart ceremony, described in the Book of the Dead, involved weighing a deceased person's heart against the feather of Ma’at. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul was deemed virtuous and granted access to the afterlife.

The symbolism of the feather represents purity, truth, and justice. If the heart was heavier, symbolizing a life of sin or imbalance, the soul would be devoured by Ammit, a creature representing annihilation.

Ma’at and Leadership:

Pharaohs were seen as upholders of Ma’at, both politically and religiously. Their rule was considered legitimate only as long as they maintained Ma’at, and their primary duty was to ensure justice, harmony, and the protection of their people from chaos (Isfet).

The king's role in upholding Ma’at was intertwined with religious duties, as they performed daily rituals to reaffirm the relationship between the gods and society.

Social and Environmental Responsibility:

Ma’at also extended to one’s responsibilities toward society and the environment. People were expected to contribute to the common good, maintain peaceful relationships, and live sustainably within the natural world.

Protecting the environment, fostering communal welfare, and adhering to one’s duties were seen as necessary to uphold Ma’at. Individuals who deviated from this path contributed to the breakdown of order.

Opposition to Isfet (Chaos):

Isfet, the opposite of Ma’at, represents disorder, injustice, falsehood, and destruction. Ancient Egyptians believed that the constant struggle between Ma’at and Isfet was inherent in the functioning of the cosmos.

Upholding Ma’at was a daily battle against Isfet. Actions like dishonesty, oppression, and violence were manifestations of Isfet and had to be resisted to preserve balance in society and the natural world.

The philosophy of Ma’at emphasizes the importance of balance, justice, truth, and harmony in all aspects of life—individual, social, and cosmic. It serves as a framework for ethical living, responsible leadership, and societal well-being, promoting a worldview in which all elements of existence are interconnected and must be in balance to sustain order and prevent chaos.

[raffaellopalandri]

Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path

I am often asked what principles I follow and mention in my posts. The answer lies in the profound wisdom of Buddhism, particularly the आर्याष्टाङ्गमार्ग �� āryāṣṭāṅgamārga or the Noble Eightfold Path. This path presents both a set of rules and a framework for living a more mindful and compassionate life. It’s an eight-limbed approach, whose pillars I divided into three categories for a quicker…

[peacemore-springs]

Reality as Lived Through Personal Experience

The concept that a devil and god were devised to control people’s behaviours and beliefs can find some resonance in Buddhist teachings. Buddhism often emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of understanding the nature of reality through one’s own experience rather than relying on external authorities or supernatural beings.

The Buddha encouraged critical thinking and personal investigation. He taught that beliefs should be examined and tested through personal experience and reason, rather than accepted blindly. This approach aligns with your perspective that the devised systems of a devil and god are used to influence and control.

In Buddhism, the focus is on overcoming ignorance and developing wisdom, compassion, and ethical conduct. The teachings encourage individuals to look within themselves to understand the causes of suffering and to find the path to liberation.

Do these interpretations align with your understandings; The Kalama Sutta, where the Buddha advises the Kalamas to test teachings for themselves? The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which emphasize personal understanding and ethical living?

[dreamsofanancientmind]

Transparent Governance and Ethical Conduct Act

## Preamble:

**Whereas, it is essential to establish a framework that ensures transparency, integrity, and equitable participation in the democratic process;**

**Now, therefore, be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of California, this 3rd day of December, 2023, that the following provisions shall comprise the Transparent Governance and Ethical Conduct Act:**

## Section 1: Transparency Requirements

1.1 **Public Disclosure of Contributions and Expenditures:**

- Public officials shall disclose campaign contributions, lobbying expenditures, and Super PAC contributions within 30 days, detailing each transaction.

1.2 **Centralized Platform:**

- The Department of State Election Commission shall establish an online platform for transparent disclosure, ensuring accessibility and advanced search functionalities.

## Section 2: Restrictions on Contributions

2.1 **Limitations on Contributions:**

- Imposition of contribution limits for individuals, organizations, and entities to political campaigns, parties, PACs, and Super PACs.

2.2 **Public Financing Mechanisms:**

- Exploration and establishment of public financing models, including matching funds or grants, with clear eligibility criteria.

## Section 3: Cooling-Off Periods

3.1 **Duration of Waiting Periods:**

- Stipulation of waiting periods for former public officials engaging in lobbying and Super PAC activities.

3.2 **Definition of Lobbying and Super PAC Activities:**

- Precise definition of terms related to lobbying, extending waiting periods to cover engagements with Super PACs.

## Section 4: Stricter Lobbying and Super PAC Regulations

4.1 **Ethical Standards for Lobbying:**

- Mandatory adherence to stringent ethical standards for lobbyists, requiring registration and periodic reporting.

4.2 **Prohibited Lobbying and Super PAC Practices:**

- Explicit enumeration of prohibited practices, accompanied by regulations preventing coordination between candidates and Super PACs.

## Section 5: Independent Oversight

5.1 **Establishment of TEOC:**

- Creation of the Transparency and Ethics Oversight Commission (TEOC) as an independent regulatory body, with oversight of Super PAC activities and investigative powers.

5.2 **Investigative Powers:**

- Granting TEOC broad investigative powers, enabling it to initiate investigations and issue findings.

## Section 6: Consequences for Violations

6.1 **Penalties:**

- Articulation of penalties for violations, including fines, suspension, and disqualification, consistent with due process.

## Section 7: Public Awareness and Education

7.1 **Educational Programs:**

- Implementation of programs in collaboration with educational institutions and media outlets to inform the public about campaign finance, lobbying, and Super PAC issues.

7.2 **Promotion of Civic Engagement:**

- Organization of initiatives, such as town hall meetings and online forums, to encourage civic engagement and foster an informed electorate.

## Section 8: Transparent Banking System

8.1 **Mandatory Use of Designated Accounts:**

- Constituents, public officials, and Super PACs shall conduct all financial transactions through accounts approved by the [Appropriate Regulatory Authority].

8.2 **Integration with Transparency Platform:**

- Seamless integration of the designated banking system with the centralized platform for real-time reporting.

8.3 **Random Audits for Constituents and Super PACs:**

- Independent auditing bodies shall conduct random audits of constituents, Super PACs, and public officials periodically.

8.4 **Mandatory Annual Audits for Public Officials and Super PACs:**

- Public officials and Super PACs shall undergo mandatory annual audits conducted by reputable independent auditing firms.

8.5 **Penalties for Non-Compliance:**

- Penalties for non-compliance with the mandatory use of designated accounts, including fines and temporary suspension of financial privileges.

## Section 9: Prohibition on Corporate Direct Contributions

9.1 **Corporate Contributions:**

- Corporations are prohibited from making direct financial contributions to political campaigns, candidates, or private individuals engaged in electoral activities.

9.2 **Prohibition on Private Agreements:**

- Any covert agreements or arrangements attempting to circumvent the prohibition on direct contributions are explicitly prohibited.

9.3 **Public Scrutiny:**

- Violation of this prohibition shall invoke penalties, ensuring stringent enforcement.

9.4 **Monitoring and Enforcement:**

- Regulatory authorities shall be empowered to conduct investigations into suspected violations.

9.5 **Reporting Obligations:**

- Corporations shall report any financial transactions that may be construed as attempts to contribute to political campaigns.

9.6 **Whistleblower Protections:**

- Whistleblower provisions shall protect individuals reporting potential violations.

9.7 **Corporate Accountability Measures:**

- Graduated penalties for violations, including fines and potential restrictions on corporate privileges.

## Section 10: Regulation of Super PACs

10.1 **Super PAC Reporting Requirements:**

- Super PACs shall submit detailed quarterly reports to the [Appropriate Regulatory Authority].

10.2 **Prohibition on Foreign Contributions to Super PACs:**

- Explicitly prohibit foreign entities or individuals from making contributions to Super PACs.

10.3 **Disclosure of Top Donors:**

- Super PACs shall disclose their top donors prominently in all public communications and advertisements.

## Section 11: Anti-Corruption Measures

11.1 **Prohibition on Corrupt Practices:**

- Explicitly prohibit corrupt practices, including bribery and extortion.

11.2 **Protection of Public Officials:**

- Establish measures to protect public officials from undue influence, harassment, or coercion.

## Section 12: Public Funding Allocation Criteria

12.1 **Criteria for Public Funding Allocation:**

- Define transparent criteria for the allocation of public funding to candidates.

12.2 **Public Input in Funding Allocation:**

- Establish mechanisms for public input in the allocation of public funds.

## Section 13: Future-Proofing

13.1 **Adaptability Clause:**

- Include an adaptability clause that allows for updates and amendments to the legislation.

13.2 **Emerging Technologies and Social Media:**

- Anticipate and address the impact of emerging technologies and social media on campaign finance.

## Section 14: Prohibition on Revolving Door Practices

14.1 **Definition of Revolving Door Practices:**

- Clearly define "Revolving Door Practices" as the movement of individuals between public office and lobbying or influential positions.

14.2 **Duration of Waiting Period:**

- Establish a waiting period before former public officials can engage in lobbying or influential positions.

14.3 **Reporting and Enforcement:**

- Mandate the reporting of post-public service employment by former public officials to the [Appropriate Regulatory Authority].

14.4 **Public Disclosure of Post-Public Service Employment:**

- Ensure public disclosure of the post-public service employment of former public officials.

NOTE: This isn't final, feel free to correct and add to this, I'm sure we the people can do better than those who've failed to represent us

[affairsmastery]

India things!

The recent case of suspension of a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) in Pune, Mahrastra highlights complex ethical concerns surrounding online gaming and the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.

The officer, like any other citizen, has the right to engage in legal recreational activities during personal time.

Different POVs:

The officer's use of personal funds for legal recreational activities, including online gaming, falls under their discretionary spending and financial autonomy.

If the online gaming activity is legally permissible and the officer complies with the law, their engagement is within the framework of legal norms and should be respected as part of individual autonomy.

Engaging in online gaming without permission from the unit commander breaches the established code of conduct within the Maharashtra State Police, indicating a disregard for institutional regulations.

Ethically, the officer's participation in online gaming during duty hours conflicts with the expected professionalism and ethical standards required within law enforcement.

[markmcole]

Seven Biblical Wealth Principles

The Bible contains various principles related to wealth, poverty, and prosperity. While it is important to remember that the Bible’s primary focus is on spiritual matters and the relationship between individuals and God, it does offer guidance on financial matters as well. Here are some biblical principles that can be applied to promote financial well-being: 1. Diligence and Hard Work: Proverbs…

[rotzaprachim]

im shaking every single student organizer and screaming that they need to separate a demand to divest from arms funding from the demand for a university to cut off all contact with Israeli and Israeli-American scholars and students, a demand which no university will agree to because implementing it would in many cases be very illegal

[americankimchi]

i am at any given point this 🤏 close to waxing poetic about the jedi code

[philosophybitmaps]

[irhabiya]

something needs to fundamentally change about the way medical schools select their cohorts im so serious too many doctors could not give a single shit less about their patients and practice

[finnlongman]

Blurb and pitch for the first Paranormal Postgrads book:

When I say Peter is a disaster, I mean he didn't realise his housemate was a vampire because his own sleeping patterns are so bad that even the nocturnal thing didn't tip him off.

An extremely rough blurb for book two that I wrote a year or two ago (aka before I actually wrote any of the book):

I also have a blurb for the third book, but it's even rougher and more incomplete than these, so I won't share that at this stage.

Anyway, that's the vibe! Extremely nerdy medievalist paranormal romance, set in a world where vampires etc are common knowledge and you can cite them in historical research! (As long as your interviews meet research and ethics standards.) Significantly more academia than you usually find in vampire books, and very much of the chaotic (realistic) variety, not your aesthetic dark academia type.

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Producers

The philosophy of producers pertains to the principles, values, and ethical considerations guiding the actions and decisions of individuals or entities engaged in production, manufacturing, or creation of goods and services. It encompasses various aspects, including economic theory, business ethics, labor relations, and social responsibility. Here are some key elements of the philosophy of producers:

Economic Rationality: Producers operate within economic frameworks aimed at maximizing efficiency, profitability, and resource allocation. Economic theories such as supply and demand, cost-benefit analysis, and economies of scale influence producers' decisions regarding production levels, pricing strategies, and investment decisions.

Innovation and Creativity: Producers often strive for innovation and creativity in product design, manufacturing processes, and marketing strategies. The philosophy of producers emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of innovation to stay competitive, meet evolving consumer needs, and drive growth and progress in society.

Ethical Conduct: Producers are expected to adhere to ethical standards in their business practices, including fair treatment of workers, responsible sourcing of materials, and transparent communication with stakeholders. Ethical considerations such as corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and respect for human rights shape producers' decisions and behaviors.

Quality and Excellence: Producers are committed to delivering high-quality products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations. The philosophy of producers emphasizes the pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship, product performance, and customer satisfaction as essential elements of long-term success and reputation building.

Collaboration and Partnership: Producers often collaborate with suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders in their value chain to achieve mutual goals and create value for all parties involved. The philosophy of producers values cooperation, partnership, and shared success as essential drivers of sustainable business relationships and industry innovation.

Adaptability and Resilience: Producers must adapt to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and competitive pressures to remain viable and resilient over time. The philosophy of producers emphasizes flexibility, agility, and the ability to embrace change as critical attributes for long-term survival and growth in dynamic business environments.

Social Impact: Producers recognize their role and responsibility in contributing to the well-being of society beyond their economic activities. The philosophy of producers includes considerations of social impact, community engagement, and philanthropy to address societal challenges, promote social equity, and foster positive change.

Overall, the philosophy of producers encompasses a broad range of principles and values that guide their actions, decisions, and interactions within the economic, social, and ethical dimensions of their operations.

[boyfridged]

i’ve been thinking a lot about what is so unique and appealing about 80s robin jay’s moral standing that got completely lost in plot later on. and i think a huge part of it is that in a genre so focused on crime-fighting, his motivations and approach don’t focus on the category of crime at all. in fact, he doesn’t seem to believe in any moral dogma; and it’s not motivated by nihilism, but rather his open-heartedness and relational ethical outlook.

we first meet (post-crisis) jay when he is stealing. when confronted about his actions by bruce he’s confident that he didn’t do anything wrong – he’s not apologetic, he doesn’t seem to think that he has morally failed on any account. later on, when confronted by batman again, jay says that he’s no “crook.” at this point, the reader might assume that jay has no concept of wrong-doing, or that stealing is just not one of the deeds that he considers wrong-doing. yet, later on we see jay so intent on stopping ma gunn and her students, refusing to be implicit in their actions. there are, of course, lots of reasons for which we can assume he was against stealing in this specific instance (an authority figure being involved, the target, the motivations, the school itself being an abusive environment etc.), but what we gather is that jay has an extremely strong sense of justice and is committed to moral duty. that's all typical for characters in superhero comics, isn't it? however, what remains distinctive is that this moral duty is not dictated by any dogma – he trusts his moral instincts. this attitude – his distrust toward power structures, confidence in his moral compass, and situational approach, is something that is maintained throughout his robin run. it is also evident in how he evaluates other people – we never see him condemning his parents, for example, and that includes willis, who was a petty criminal. i think from there arises the potential for a rift between bruce and jay that could be, have jay lived, far more utilised in batman comics than it was within his short robin run.

after all, while bruce’s approach is often called a ‘philosophy of love and care,’ he doesn’t ascribe to the ethics of care [eoc] (as defined in modern scholarship btw) in the same way that jay does. ethics of care ‘deny that morality consists in obedience to a universal law’ and focus on the ideals of caring for other people and non-institutionalized justice. bruce, while obviously caring, is still bound by his belief in the legal system and deontological norms. he is benevolent, but he is also ultimately morally committed to the idea of a legal system and thus frames criminals as failing to meet these moral (legal-adjacent) standards (even when he recognizes it is a result of their circumstances). in other words, he might think that a criminal is a good person despite leading a life of crime. meanwhile, for jay there is no despite; jay doesn't think that engaging in crime says anything about a person's moral personality at all. morality, for him, is more of an emotional practice, grounded in empathy and the question of what he can do for people ‘here and now.’ he doesn’t ascribe to maxims nor utilitarian calculations. for jay, in morality, there’s no place for impartiality that bruce believes in; moral decisions are embedded within a net of interpersonal relationships and social structures that cannot be generalised like the law or even a “moral code” does it. it’s all about responsiveness. 

to sum up, jay's moral compass is relative and passionate in a way that doesn't fit batman's philosophy. this is mostly because bruce wants to avoid the sort of arbitrariness that seems to guide eoc. also, both for vigilantism, and jay, eoc poses a challenge in the sense that it doesn't create a certain 'intellectualised' distance from both the victims and the perpetrators; there's no proximity in the judgment; it's emotional.

all of this is of course hardly relevant post-2004. there might be minimal space for accommodating some of it within the canon progression (for example, the fact that eoc typically emphasises the responsibility that comes with pre-existing familial relationships and allows for prioritizing them, as well as the flexibility regarding moral deliberations), but the utilitarian framework and the question of stopping the crime vs controlling the underworld is not something that can be easily reconciled with jay’s previous lack of interest in labeling crime. 

[peacemore-springs]

Secular Counterpart of a Buddha

Without relying on any religious doctrine or supernatural authority we can achieve high levels of wisdom, compassion, and ethical conduct. The secular counterpart of a Buddha is this.

We of a secular government therefore do not follow any religious laws or principles. We base our policies on human rights, democracy, and rationality.

[aguineapigcouldntdothis]

college is super funny bc every time I tell a professor my general career plan theyre like "well it'll take a lot of work but it seems like something you would enjoy and it can be great work! if you need help just ask me" yet when I explain why I actually wanna go into this they say, without fail (and in much nicer terms), "wow dude you're a fucking nerd. theres a million cool reasons to pursue this career path and you chose the lamest one. are you just like this??"

[affairsmastery]

Just to Know!

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit 2023 held at Bletchley Park, England has marked a significant turning point in the global approach to tackling the challenges posed by frontier AI technologies.

To tackle these challenges, 28 major countries, including the United States, China, India, and the European Union, signed the Bletchley Park Declaration at this first-ever AI Safety Summit.

This landmark declaration seeks to create a collective understanding and coordinated approach to address the potential risks and benefits of advanced AI systems, known as frontier AI.

The Bletchley Park Declaration is the first global pact on tackling frontier AI risks, and it reflects a high-level political consensus and commitment among the major AI players in the world.

It acknowledges the potential of AI to enhance human well-being but also recognizes the risks posed by AI, especially frontier AI, which may cause serious harm, either deliberate or unintentional, particularly in domains like cybersecurity, biotechnology, and disinformation.

It emphasizes the need for international cooperation to address AI-related risks, as they are inherently global, and calls for collaboration among all actors, including companies, civil society, and academia.

The declaration also announces the establishment of a regular AI Safety Summit, which will provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration on frontier AI safety.The next summit will be hosted by France within a year, and South Korea will co-host a mini virtual AI summit in the next six months.

India has shifted from a stance of not considering AI regulation to actively formulating regulations based on a risk-based, user-harm approach.India called for a global framework for the expansion of "ethical" AI tools, signaling a commitment to responsible AI usage.

India has shown interest in establishing regulatory bodies at both domestic and international levels to ensure the responsible use of AI.

Digital India Act, 2023 which is yet to Implement , is expected to introduce issue-specific regulations for online intermediaries, including AI-based platforms.