C1 · Unit 9
An ethics debate
Weigh conflicting values while acknowledging the limits of your position.
New words
virtue
conscience
justify
justify
clash of values
ethical principle
unwanted consequence
good intention
proportionate measure
at whose expense
moral commitment
without intent
bear responsibility for
draw a boundary
personal data
public benefit
reasonable doubt
the end justifies the means
bias
responsibility
In a job ad "отговорности"
= your duties.
Grammar
You can acknowledge a good intention with "макар че"
and still question the action. Use "дори да"
to test whether your principle holds even against a stronger counterargument.
Макар че намерението е добро, последиците подлежат на оценка.
Although the intention is good, the consequences must be assessed.
Дори да има обществена полза, ще поискаме съгласие за снимките.
Even if there is a public benefit, we will ask for consent for the photographs.
"Дори да"and
"макар че": an obstacle does not change the result
Examples
За чия сметка постигаме желания резултат?
At whose expense do we achieve the desired result?
Доброто намерение не оправдава всяко действие.
A good intention does not justify every action.
Къде поставяш границата между помощ и намеса?
Where do you draw the line between help and interference?
Етичният принцип трябва да важи и за неудобните за нас случаи.
The ethical principle must also apply to cases that are inconvenient for us.
Тя носи отговорност за публичния текст, макар че не го е написала сама.
She bears responsibility for the public text, although she did not write it alone.
Нежеланата последица може да възникне и без умисъл.
An unwanted consequence can arise even without intent.
Съвестта ми не е достатъчна гаранция за безпристрастна преценка.
My conscience is not a sufficient guarantee of an impartial judgement.
Нека потърсим пропорционална мярка, вместо да забраним всичко.
Let us seek a proportionate measure instead of banning everything.