The Golden Rule (2024)

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MARCUS GEORGE SINGER

MARCUS GEORGE SINGER

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264–292

  • Published:

    January 2003

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SINGER, MARCUS GEORGE, 'The Golden Rule', The Ideal of a Rational Morality: Philosophical Compositions (Oxford, 2003; online edn, Oxford Academic, 3 Oct. 2011), https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198250210.003.0012, accessed 24 June 2024.

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Abstract

This chapter argues that the Golden Rule does not require anyone to do for another what he thinks he would want himself to do if he were that other. Such an interpretation makes it equivalent to its Inversion. What the Golden Rule requires is that everyone ought to act in his relations with others on the same standards or principles that he would have them apply in their treatment of him, taking account of and respecting, but not necessarily acceding to, their wishes and desires. This is the most that anyone can reasonably ask, but nothing less will suffice. Naturally, the Golden Rule by itself does not unambiguously and definitely determine just what these ‘standards or principles’ should be, but it does something towards determining this, and it is not necessary that it do everything.

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The Golden Rule (2024)

FAQs

What is the answer to my golden rule? ›

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This seems the most familiar version of the golden rule, highlighting its helpful and proactive gold standard.

What is the Golden Rule short answer? ›

The Golden Rule tells people to treat each other as they would like to be treated. It also asks people not to treat others in ways that they would not enjoy being treated.

What is the Golden Rule really saying? ›

Most people grew up with the old adage: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Best known as the “golden rule”, it simply means you should treat others as you'd like to be treated.

Is the Golden Rule enough? ›

It's well-intentioned enough, at least if we assume you'd like to be treated well, whatever your definition of “well” is. However, the Golden Rule – and individuals and organizations that operate under its assumptions – can sometimes exacerbate communication gaps that exist between Millennials and their managers.

What is the Golden Rule simplified? ›

The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one would want to be treated by them. It is sometimes called an ethics of reciprocity, meaning that you should reciprocate to others how you would like them to treat you (not necessarily how they actually treat you).

What is that golden rule? ›

Golden Rule, precept in the Gospel of Matthew (7:12): “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .” This rule of conduct is a summary of the Christian's duty to his neighbour and states a fundamental ethical principle.

What is the golden rule in real life? ›

The Golden Rule doesn't really mean that you should treat someone else exactly as you'd want them to treat you … it means that you should try to imagine how they want to be treated, and do that. So when you put yourself in their shoes, ask yourself how you think they want to be treated.

What is the golden rule the best rule? ›

The “Golden Rule”—“Love your neighbor as yourself”—is doubtless the most widely known and affirmed ethical principle worldwide. At the same time, it has its serious, quasi-serious, and jocund critics.

What is the rule of golden means? ›

Moral behavior is the mean between two extremes - at one end is excess, at the other deficiency. Find a moderate position between those two extremes, and you will be acting morally.

What is the Golden Rule words? ›

a rule of ethical conduct, usually phrased “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” paraphrased from the Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament.

What is the best quote about the Golden Rule? ›

Top 5 Golden Rule Quotes:

"Everything you should do you will find in this: Do nothing to others that would hurt you if it were done to you." "Do not offend others as you would not want to be offended." "The successes of your neighbor and their losses will be to you as if they are your own."

What are the three basic golden rules? ›

1) Debit what comes in - credit what goes out. 2) Credit the giver and Debit the Receiver. 3) Credit all income and debit all expenses.

What is the number 1 golden rule? ›

The golden rule state "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you".

What did Jesus say the most important commandment was? ›

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ' This is the first and greatest commandment.

What is the Golden Rule for a successful life? ›

Learn to Value Others. A crucial aspect of success is learning to appreciate that value in yourself. If you aren't able to value your own skills, why should anyone else? If you don't believe in yourself, you will have a hard time convincing people that you are worth investing in, in any sense of the word.

What is your golden rule in life? ›

The golden rule is a rule of conduct and a way of being. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In other words, behave the way you want others to behave. And it works because you're in alignment with your values, of course – but it also transforms the energy around you.

What does golden rule mean slang? ›

the principle that you should treat people in the same way that you would like to be treated yourself.

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