Can ignorance ever be an excuse for unethical behaviour?

[Nikki1989]

[Simslover92]

Another great question. I think for the most part, it can't be an excuse. Like for instance, if a child kills their parents with a gun that was just laying around then it of course can be an excuse but if it's an adult, that's a different story unless the adult is really mentally unstable or incompetent.

There are many other examples of where ignorance can be seen as an excuse. Like if someone didn't know that a food item would harm their friend because they were allergic then that could be considered an excuse if something went terribly wrong like they are harmed or killed from it.

But ignorance for the most part should not be seen as an excuse for unethical behavior.

[thegreenyogi]

Not at all. But ignorance is also a barrier which sometimes is a limitation and not always is ignorance a choice but if it is coupled with arrogance that is a lethal combination and in turn is a choice. In this case there is no excuse for it.

[Bricealan]

@thegreenyogi I agree 100%. Ignorance +arrogance is truly a lethal combination. Don't we see that demonstrated enough on this planet?

[thegreenyogi]

@Bricealan Indeed. And it's a real shame.

[Bricealan]

@Nikki1989 Nikki, I'm in lock step with Einstein.

My father was an uneducated man, and therefore ignorant about many things. Not uneducated strictly by choice, but by the poor, farm life he was born to with 9 siblings. (Ignorant by his circumstances)

That said, he was so arrogant as my father, he never asked his wife or his educated sons about any choices he made or how me made them, and therefore was his own worst enemy.

[loveslongnails]

Can you give me a particular example where this could be the case? Aren't certain behaviors regarding ethics very subjective? I can think of a case where I'd consider certain legal behaviors to be unethical. Thanks. You ask great questions!

[Nikki1989]

It is when someone lacks factual knowledge through no fault of their own and cannot foresee the harm their action will cause.

[MrChinaski]

I mean, there is the legal concept that you can be incapable of evil (doli incapax, or similar for adults). I think that's a fair defence but I suspect that's not what you mean.

[NathanDavis]

one of the reasons, maybe...

but an excuse or justification? no

these things are never so simple either

[AviatorTom]

In some situations, ignorance can be an excuse, but not a good one.

[AngryCarl3]

No, everyone should understand ethics.

[eagle1951]

never

[jimbob70]

Yes every day