Ayn Rand & Values LO9904

Carol Sager (sagerent@world.std.com)
Wed, 11 Sep 1996 15:57:25 -0400

Replying to LO9886 --

Rick,

A quick response to the powerful issues you raise (as noted and snipped
below). Most Systems and tools by themselves do not have a moral
dimension. Only people do. IMO, the "moral dimension" is not an "advanced
topic." It is the foundation of every thing we do -every day and I am not
sure that one can "introduce" this as part of a course in any meaningful
way.

One can TALK about values and ethics and what should be done, but the
bottom line is what one DOES.

Your issue about a moral compass is so important that I hope we continue
this on a very practical rather than theoretical note. Given that one of
the best ways to teach is to model the concepts taught, my questions are
these: Who are the modern day heroes of the moral compass? How does each
one of us set "true north" on our moral compasses? What results ensue?

Richard Karash wrote:
>
> Whatever Ayn Rand's position might be on this, to me it *does* matter
> towards what ends we direct our energies. It's clear to me that there are
> better and less good things to accomplish. That, for me, it's not just a
> matter of working more effectively, more productively, more creatively,
> more intelligently, more powerfully.
>
> I work regularly with groups from diverse organizations on systems
> thinking and the LO skills... One undercurrent I see in the background is
> the idea that the learning organization is about creating whatever results
> you want, and therefore it's a selfish (or even amoral) discipline.

> For> many, the basic point of personal mastery ("You can create
anything you> want to create... if it's something you care enough
about") is thrilling,> liberating, and empowering. But, without the
moral compass, added> capability is potentially dangerous,
>
> In my work, I've been treating the moral dimension as an "advanced topic"> for individuals and groups that have gone beyond the basics. I'm
wondering> now if this shouldn't be introduced much earlier.

-- 
Carol Sager, Sager Educational Enterprises
http://www.erinet.com/patterwc/CLIIN/
Critical Linkages II Newsletter; 21 Wallis Road,
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167; V.(617)469-9644; Fax(same)-9639
 


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