This quote suggests that in the field of ethics, progress is not achieved by uncovering truths that are already there, waiting to be found. Instead, it is made by addressing and resolving problems. This implies that ethical knowledge and understanding are not static, but are constantly evolving and developing as we grapple with new challenges and dilemmas.
In this perspective, ethics is seen as a dynamic, problem-solving activity. It is not about finding a set of unchanging moral laws or principles, but about working out solutions to the ethical problems we face. This view challenges the idea that there is a fixed moral ‘truth’ that can be discovered, and instead sees ethics as a process of continuous learning and growth.
This idea can be applied in today’s world in various ways. For instance, in the face of new technologies and scientific developments, we are constantly faced with new ethical dilemmas that previous generations did not have to deal with. Think about the ethical issues surrounding genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, or climate change. These are not problems that can be solved by simply uncovering some pre-existing moral truth. Instead, they require us to think deeply, engage in dialogue, and work out solutions that are ethically sound and socially acceptable.
In terms of personal development, this perspective encourages us to see ethical growth as a process of problem-solving and learning, rather than a quest for absolute moral certainty. It suggests that we grow ethically by facing and resolving the moral dilemmas and challenges that life throws at us. This might involve making mistakes, learning from them, and gradually developing a more nuanced and mature understanding of what it means to live ethically. It also encourages us to stay open-minded and adaptable, recognizing that the ‘right’ answer in one situation may not be the ‘right’ answer in another.