When we articulate our moral feelings we give them a forum where they can be discussed but most importantly, we are forced to confront our own understanding of those morals in relation to our values. This dialogue will either strengthen our own understanding or compel us to alter our views. “Finding and acknowledging another understanding for our moral feelings alters our own understanding of these feelings." (Joas, p. 133). Charles Taylor goes farther, describing the development of modern moral sources in an empowering notion of human dignity and a sense of self.
For example, when we apply Taylor’s concept to open discussions on diversity in the workplace we must accept the possibility that in order to affirm individuals' equal dignity, we must acknowledge their cultures. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, King James Version). Taylor claimed that the indispensability of God “does not rule out granting other cultures their own interpretations of equally authentic religious experiences. (Joas, p. 139).
Holy Bible. (1997). King James Version. Zondervan Publishing, Grand Raids, MI.
Joas, H. (2000). The Genesis of Values. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago.
Lieutenant Ken Rice is an Active Duty Naval Officer stationed in Norfolk VA. He is currently assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Force's Warfare Requirments Directorate as the FORCEnet Requirements Officer. Lieutenant Rice is responsible for the program analasys and budget oversight for Information Technology Transformation for the Surface Fleet. He is currently enrolled at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.
