What contribution do the Gita, Lao Tzu and Buddha make to the search for a decision procedure in ethics?

Question

What contribution do the Gita, Lao Tzu and Buddha make to the search for a decision procedure in ethics?

Answer 1

I think that the teaching of the Gita" Do your duty" can be tied with the teaching of Lao Tzu and Buddhism. Lao Tzu says that whatever knowledge and experience we have do not last. But, we have to do our duty, if only to earn our bread, for which we need knowledge. So, do not worry too much about any negative consequences, they may, or, may not last, and do what you `feel` is best because your choice depends on your nature which should be taken as the ultimate measure. You should be expedite because what you `feel` is right IS often right. There are two ways of doing things [1] through intuition and [2] through logic. The first method contains the second within it but the second does not contain the first. But, a little forethought before reaching a decision won`t hurt either. If it is a moral choice then, perhaps, but, a correct moral choice will have consequences which last longer than one which has immediate effects. All in all it will be very difficult.

Answer 2

Buddha's method is very simple & scientific :-



(1) Reject all earlier belief, become a clean slate.

(2) Do not trust & believe in anything whether it is written in a book or said by some great person , a teacher or a tradition.

(3) (Scientifically) Experiment,analyse and observe the truth at it appears to you directly.

(4) Practice meditation, His method was Vipassana meaning to see (to observe directly the mind) . Analyze your self, emotions , ideas, thoughts and stop these and look beyond . Go into trance & see the transcendental truth.

Answer 3

Not much. They don't make logical arguments, or state rules. They are mystical in the sense of relying on introspection and intuition through meditation.

The only contribution I can see is through self examination, a moral inventory, and reflection, before coming to action.

Answer 4

They teach us not to spam the same question multiple times.

Answer 5

That is an interesting question.....deserves a little research on my part.