Scientology ethics and justice: Difference between revisions
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According to Hubbard's teachings, Scientology ethics is predicated on the idea that there are degrees of ethical conduct. [http://www.scientologyethics.org/page02.htm] |
According to Hubbard's teachings, Scientology ethics is predicated on the idea that there are degrees of ethical conduct. [http://www.scientologyethics.org/page02.htm] |
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⚫ | However, experts point to ways in which Scientology defines "ethics" quite differently from [[ethics]] in its generally understood meaning. Professor [[Stephen A. Kent]] quotes [[L. Ron Hubbard]] (founder of [[Scientology]]) as pronouncing that "the purpose of ethics is to remove counter intentions from the environment. And having accomplished that the purpose becomes to remove other intentionedness {{sic}} from the environment" and "[a]ll ethics is for in actual fact is {{sic}} simply that additional tool necessary to make it possible to get [Scientology] technology in. That's the whole purpose of ethics; to get technology in". What this translates to, says Kent, is "a peculiar brand of morality that uniquely benefitted [the Church of Scientology] ... In plain English, the purpose of Scientology ethics is to eliminate opponents, then eliminate people's interests in things other than Scientology. In this 'ethical' environment, Scientology would be able to impose its courses, philosophy, and 'justice system' - its so-called technology - onto society."<ref name="Kent">{{cite journal | author = Stephen A. Kent | authorlink = Stephen A. Kent | year = 2003 | month = September | title = Scientology and the European Human Rights Debate: A Reply to Leisa Goodman, J. Gordon Melton, and the European Rehabilitation Project Force Study | journal = Marburg Journal of Religion | volume = 8 | issue = 1 | url = http://web.uni-marburg.de/religionswissenschaft/journal/mjr/kent3.html | accessdate = 2006-05-21}}</ref> |
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==General Principles== |
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Scientology Ethics differs from common philosophical discussions of ethical problems in that many issues that arise in such discussions are seen as covered and handled by auditing technology. For example, there exists an entire Scientology auditing section devoted entirely to the subject of problems. Thus a typical moral dilemma is no longer a problem in real life, because, with auditing, one can become able to make the needed decision, and one can often see an alternate path that one was blind to when caught inside the dilemma. |
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This contrasts with modern research on ethical decision making, where individuals are presented alternative solutions to moral dilemmas which are more and more impossible to choose between. In real life, one would not always be limited to the conditions imposed by the research problem, and a person not overwhelmed by the issue or the choices is likely to be creative enough to come up with an alternate solution. |
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Thus, Scientology Ethics becomes more of a system related to achieving the goals and purposes one espouses. It dovetails with administrative policy and techniques, in order to ensure that people are working together as part of the same team, and are in agreement as to goals, purposes, and a commonly agreed-to agenda. |
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In this light, the ideal scene would be a group of people in knowing and understanding agreement on their goals and purposes, expert and competent in their various jobs, trusting of each other, working together towards a capable and desirable honest goal. Various difficulties would be handled by the correct body of techniques, be it auditing, training, research and development, or whatever else was needed. Everyone would be there because they wanted to be there. Persons working under false pretenses would get spotted and sorted out one way or another, including those working for some other team or interest group. |
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In a larger context, the system of ethics within Scientology is described by Hubbard as a way of ensuring "the greatest good for the greatest number of dynamics." The system defines a number of "conditions" (in Life) defined from lower to higher; the system for moving to these higher conditions involves following the formulas for the appropriate conditions. |
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This is a broader viewpoint on the philosophical problem of the rules of conduct one uses in society. Society can be considered a larger group in this context, and ethics procedures can dovetail with the application of justice, and the creation of a safer world and environment. |
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==Critical Views== |
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==Good and Evil== |
==Good and Evil== |
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A major theme in Scientology teachings is the idea that nearly every condition has a corresponding "formula" somewhere in Scientology doctrine which will quickly address and alleviate that condition. Ethics is not an exception; each "ethics condition" has an associated formula, with steps such as "Deliver an effective blow to the enemies of the group one has been pretending to be part of despite personal danger" (part of the Liability Formula) or "Perform a self-damaging act that furthers the purposes and or objectives of the group one has betrayed" (part of the original Treason Formula, abandoned one year later.)<ref name="Blue Sky"/><!--p. 175--> |
A major theme in Scientology teachings is the idea that nearly every condition has a corresponding "formula" somewhere in Scientology doctrine which will quickly address and alleviate that condition. Ethics is not an exception; each "ethics condition" has an associated formula, with steps such as "Deliver an effective blow to the enemies of the group one has been pretending to be part of despite personal danger" (part of the Liability Formula) or "Perform a self-damaging act that furthers the purposes and or objectives of the group one has betrayed" (part of the original Treason Formula, abandoned one year later.)<ref name="Blue Sky"/><!--p. 175--> |
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Lower conditions also involve Penalties. |
Lower conditions also involve Penalties. Hubbard's policy letter "Penalties for Lower Conditions" (HCOPL 18 Oct 1967) set forth penalties such as "LIABILITY -- Suspension of Pay and a dirty grey rag on left arm, and day and night confinement to org premises", and "a black mark on left cheek" for the condition of "TREASON". This policy letter also declared, for the condition of "ENEMY": "[[Fair game (Scientology)|Fair game]]. May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed [punctuation {{sic}}]."<ref name="Blue Sky"/><!--p. 175-6--> |
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This policy letter also declared, for the condition of "ENEMY": "[[Fair game (Scientology)|Fair game]]. May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed [punctuation {{sic}}]."<ref name="Blue Sky"/><!--p. 175-6--> This policy letter was later revised, with many sections cancelled, although critics maintain a cynical view of any revisions. |
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An unusual application of these penalties occurred in 1968, when the ''[[Royal Scotman]]'',<!--that is the correct spelling--> the Scientology vessel that would later be re-christened the ''Apollo'', ran aground off the coast of Spain. Hubbard assigned the Ethics Condition of Liability, not only to all who sailed on the ship, but to the ''Royal Scotman'' itself; for several weeks the vessel travelled with filthy gray [[tarpaulin]]s tied around its funnel.<ref name="Blue Sky"/><!--p. 179--> |
An unusual application of these penalties occurred in 1968, when the ''[[Royal Scotman]]'',<!--that is the correct spelling--> the Scientology vessel that would later be re-christened the ''Apollo'', ran aground off the coast of Spain. Hubbard assigned the Ethics Condition of Liability, not only to all who sailed on the ship, but to the ''Royal Scotman'' itself; for several weeks the vessel travelled with filthy gray [[tarpaulin]]s tied around its funnel.<ref name="Blue Sky"/><!--p. 179--> |
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Scientology's official glossary of terms lists "Suppressive Person" and "Antisocial Personality" as synonymous: |
Scientology's official glossary of terms lists "Suppressive Person" and "Antisocial Personality" as synonymous: |
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<blockquote>suppressive person: a person who possesses a distinct set of characteristics and mental attitudes that cause him to suppress other people in his vicinity. This is the person whose behavior is calculated to be disastrous. Also called antisocial personality. [http://www.scientology.org/en_US/feature/glossary/index.html#s] </blockquote> |
<blockquote>suppressive person: a person who possesses a distinct set of characteristics and mental attitudes that cause him to suppress other people in his vicinity. This is the person whose behavior is calculated to be disastrous. Also called antisocial personality. [http://www.scientology.org/en_US/feature/glossary/index.html#s] </blockquote> |
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One of the primary symptoms of being connected with a suppressive person or organization is the phenomena of "Roller Coaster", a situation where any gains or progress made are lost on a recycling or repeating basis. While anyone can have an occassional setback, repeated setbacks require investigation. The person with the repeated setbacks is the "potential trouble source". The person creating the repeated setbacks is the "supressive". |
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==Third Party Law== |
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An important datum related to that of the Antisocial Personality is that of the Third Party Law. |
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The Third Party Law states that for any conflict to continue indefinitely, there must be some third party promoting and fueling the conflict. It assumes that people are basically good, and if left to their own devices, and when in good communication, they will eventually resolved any conflicts that they have. If someone else is promoting conflict, then the dispute will continue. |
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The Third Party Law is seen as a staple of politics as it is practiced in the modern world. |
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==Auditing and Ethics== |
==Auditing and Ethics== |
Revision as of 19:16, 29 January 2007
Template:ScientologySeries According to the Church of Scientology, "Ethics may be defined as the actions an individual takes on himself to ensure his continued survival across the dynamics. It is a personal thing. When one is ethical, it is something he does himself by his own choice." [1]
According to Hubbard's teachings, Scientology ethics is predicated on the idea that there are degrees of ethical conduct. [2]
However, experts point to ways in which Scientology defines "ethics" quite differently from ethics in its generally understood meaning. Professor Stephen A. Kent quotes L. Ron Hubbard (founder of Scientology) as pronouncing that "the purpose of ethics is to remove counter intentions from the environment. And having accomplished that the purpose becomes to remove other intentionedness [sic] from the environment" and "[a]ll ethics is for in actual fact is [sic] simply that additional tool necessary to make it possible to get [Scientology] technology in. That's the whole purpose of ethics; to get technology in". What this translates to, says Kent, is "a peculiar brand of morality that uniquely benefitted [the Church of Scientology] ... In plain English, the purpose of Scientology ethics is to eliminate opponents, then eliminate people's interests in things other than Scientology. In this 'ethical' environment, Scientology would be able to impose its courses, philosophy, and 'justice system' - its so-called technology - onto society."[1]
Good and Evil
The Church's official position declares: "The logic of Scientology ethics is inarguable and based upon two key concepts: good and evil", and goes on to state that "nothing is completely good, and to build anew often requires a degree of destruction" and "to appreciate what Scientology ethics is all about, it must be understood that good can be considered to be a constructive survival action". [3] Critics of the Church have compared this policy with the dictum, "In order to make an omelet, it is necessary to break some eggs."
Statistics
In order to make these ethical decisions that affect others around them, Scientologists are expected to use statistical measurement to assess the "measurement of survival potential". Their official website states "with an understanding of how to compile, graph and compare statistics, the Scientologist is amply equipped to determine exactly what condition an activity is in, and thus exactly what steps he must take in order to better that condition." [4] The "conditions" referred to, in order from best to worst, are Power, Affluence, Normal, Emergency, Danger, Non-Existence, Liability, Doubt, Enemy, Treason and Confusion. When "stats" go down slightly, or even remain level, this is actually classified as "Emergency"; "Normal" is considered a slight upward trend.[2]
Formulas and Penalties
A major theme in Scientology teachings is the idea that nearly every condition has a corresponding "formula" somewhere in Scientology doctrine which will quickly address and alleviate that condition. Ethics is not an exception; each "ethics condition" has an associated formula, with steps such as "Deliver an effective blow to the enemies of the group one has been pretending to be part of despite personal danger" (part of the Liability Formula) or "Perform a self-damaging act that furthers the purposes and or objectives of the group one has betrayed" (part of the original Treason Formula, abandoned one year later.)[2]
Lower conditions also involve Penalties. Hubbard's policy letter "Penalties for Lower Conditions" (HCOPL 18 Oct 1967) set forth penalties such as "LIABILITY -- Suspension of Pay and a dirty grey rag on left arm, and day and night confinement to org premises", and "a black mark on left cheek" for the condition of "TREASON". This policy letter also declared, for the condition of "ENEMY": "Fair game. May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed [punctuation [sic]]."[2]
An unusual application of these penalties occurred in 1968, when the Royal Scotman, the Scientology vessel that would later be re-christened the Apollo, ran aground off the coast of Spain. Hubbard assigned the Ethics Condition of Liability, not only to all who sailed on the ship, but to the Royal Scotman itself; for several weeks the vessel travelled with filthy gray tarpaulins tied around its funnel.[2]
Application to non-Scientologists
At various times the Church of Scientology has dictated that its system of conditions, formulas and penalties for ethics should be applied even to those who were not Scientologists. The consequences were sometimes self-defeating. For instance, in 1968, a food vendor near Saint Hill who often sold food to Scientologists there was declared to be in a condition of Liability, in part for running out of apple pie. Because he did not follow the course of action that would be required for a Scientologist (the Liability Formula) he was declared Suppressive, and Scientologists were prohibited from communicating with him, or buying the apple pie which was back in stock.[2] In the same year, the Scientologists would send a letter to twenty-two businesses in East Grinstead informing them that because "these shops have indicated that they do not wish Scientology to expand in East Grinstead," "your shop together with a handful of others, has been declared out of bounds for Scientologists." However, one of the "shops" referred to was actually the firm of a solicitor.[2]
Antisocial Personalities
The Church warns against what they term "antisocial personalities", meaning those "who possess characteristics and mental attitudes that cause them to violently oppose any betterment activity or group", including the Church itself. [5] The Church's official position states, "The importance of detecting the antisocial personality becomes eminently clear when one considers his effect on the lives of those around him", and such a person is to be designated a "Potential Trouble Source". [6] The Potential Trouble Source, or PTS, was directly linked with controversial policies advocating revenge against Scientology's enemies, including Fair Game and the concept of Suppressive Persons. (Hubbard, HCO Policy Letter of 23 December 1965) [7]
Scientology's official glossary of terms lists "Suppressive Person" and "Antisocial Personality" as synonymous:
suppressive person: a person who possesses a distinct set of characteristics and mental attitudes that cause him to suppress other people in his vicinity. This is the person whose behavior is calculated to be disastrous. Also called antisocial personality. [8]
Auditing and Ethics
This concept of ethics differs from the common philosophical one because Scientologists believe Auditing already handles the traditional ethical questions. With auditing, typical ethical dilemmas supposedly lose their difficulty as one gains the ability to make ethical decisions easily, often through seeing an alternate path to which one was blind when caught inside the dilemma.[citation needed]
This contrasts with modern research on ethical decision making, where researchers present individuals with fixed choices in moral dilemmas that become progressively more difficult.[citation needed] In real life, one would not be limited to the choices imposed by a research problem, and a person not overwhelmed by the issue or the choices would--according to the doctrines of Scientology's ethics--become creative enough to come up with an alternate solution.
In a larger context, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard describes the system of ethics within Scientology as a way of ensuring "the greatest good for the greatest number of dynamics." When the Church of Scientology takes action against one of its member, the actions constitute Scientology justice.
Notes
- ^ Stephen A. Kent (2003). "Scientology and the European Human Rights Debate: A Reply to Leisa Goodman, J. Gordon Melton, and the European Rehabilitation Project Force Study". Marburg Journal of Religion. 8 (1). Retrieved 2006-05-21.
{{cite journal}}
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ignored (help) - ^ a b c d e f Atack, Jon (1990). A Piece of Blue Sky. New York, NY: Carol Publishing Group. ISBN 0-8184-0499-X.
External links
- Scientology Ethics and Judicial Matters official site
- Scientology Library: Introduction to Scientology Ethics a book review
- Church of Scientology: Ethics and Morals links at dmoz the open directory