In what sense , if any , does impartiality matter for morality ?
George Gulliver challenges the typical assumption that imparitality and morality are synonymous with each other and to show that many of the important moral dilemmas that we encounter include treating the situation with a certain partiality . He argues that being a passive observer in the moral landscape and treating everyone with complete imparitality often causes more detriment than benefit in certain moral situations .
This essay will explore the extents to which I believe the concept of impartiality matters when trying to act morally . By exploring how impartiality has played an undeniable and important role in creating a just society and looking at how and where it works in the modern age , I will attempt to show that we should not be too hasty to dismiss it . However , I will then go on to discuss where we could see impartiality to fall short of the standard that it is held to by showing its impracticalities on a person-toperson and global basis .
In order to begin our discussion of the role of impartiality in ethics , we must define what we
George Gulliver
114 are talking about to approach the subject in a meaningful way . An impartial action is a decision or action where everyone is treated with equal regard to each other , a decision or action where everyone is treated as equal to myself or a decision made based on reasons for action that do not rely on irrelevant or arbitrary differences . Partiality and selfishness seem to oppose everything that we are taught about acting morally . Children are brought up to share and treat one another with kindness and are taught that equality and fairness are fundamental virtues . Selfishness and partiality are taught to be vices based on our intuitions .