'Treat others as you would wish to be treated' is a central principle found in many cultures and all major religions.  Known as the Golden Rule it is widely seen as the cornerstone of morality.  Yet some argue the golden rule is wrong and damaging.  It imposes our values, desires and outlook on those with different experiences,  and goals. The extrovert may wish to be the centre of attention but it does not mean they should impose this on a shy neighbour.  Furthermore, studies show that in clinical settings, Golden Rule thinking leads to inaccurate judgements with important consequences for medical policy.

Should we abandon the Golden Rule as dangerously narrow? Should we seek to empathise with perspectives different from our own and treat others as they would wish to be treated?   Or is this a shift that risks losing moral compass and the Golden rule an essential universal law? 

Yale Law Professor Daniel Markovits, philosopher and bioethics expert Peter Singer (Zoom), and American feminist, ethicist, and psychologist Carol Gilligan come together to debate the 'Golden Rule'. Myriam François hosts.  

 

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