ETHICS IN STEVENSON’S AND WILDE’S WORK

WHAT ABOUT THE ETHICS? WHAT IS?

Ethics refers to the moral principles and values that guide individuals and communities in
determining what is right and wrong. It provides a framework for making decisions and
evaluating actions based on concepts such as fairness, justice, honesty, and responsibility.
Ethics is a fundamental aspect of human behavior and social interaction, influencing
various aspects of life, including personal relationships, professional conduct, and societal
norms.
When ethics is missing or disregarded, it can lead to a range of negative consequences. In
personal and professional settings, unethical behavior can result in harm to individuals,
damage to relationships, and lost of trust. In a broader societal context, the absence of
ethical considerations can lead to social injustice, inequality, and the deterioration of
moral values.
The relationship between ethics and science is crucial, as scientific research and
technological advancements often have profound implications for individuals, societies,
and the environment. Ethical considerations in science involve ensuring the responsible
conduct of research, protecting the rights and well-being of research participants, and
promoting the transparent and fair dissemination of knowledge. Ethical lapses in scientific
practices can lead to the misuse of technology, unethical experimentation, and potential
harm to both individuals and the broader community.
ETHICS IN “THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR.HYDE (ETHICS
AND SCIENCE)
Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" explores the
complex relationship between science and ethics, particularly through the character of Dr.
Jekyll and his scientific experiments.
In the story, Dr. Henry Jekyll is a scientist who becomes fascinated with the idea of
separating the dual aspects of human nature—good and evil. He believes that by isolating
and controlling the darker side of human behavior, he can create a better and more refined
version of himself. Jekyll's experimentation involves the use of a potion that transforms
him into the malicious and uninhibited Mr. Hyde.
The novel raises ethical questions about the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the
consequences of tampering with the natural order. Jekyll's experiment is an example of the
dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, as he loses control over the transformation and
the malevolent Hyde begins to dominate. The narrative underscores the ethical
implications of such scientific endeavors and the potential harm that can arise when
ethical considerations are ignored.
The duality of Jekyll and Hyde symbolizes the internal struggle between good and evil
within each individual. The narrative suggests that the separation of these aspects, as
pursued by Jekyll, is not only scientifically perilous but also morally questionable.
Stevenson seems to caution against the blind pursuit of scientific progress without due
regard for the ethical consequences.
The story also touches upon societal norms and the ethical responsibilities of individuals.
Jekyll's actions impact not only himself but also those around him, highlighting the
interconnectedness of personal choices and their wider implications for society.
Instead Mr. Utterson, Jekyll's lawyer emerges in the novel as a brave embodiment of moral
responsibility. Utterson, upon sensing something amiss with Jekyll's association with Mr.
Hyde, takes it upon himself to investigate, driven by a keen sense of duty and a
commitment to upholding ethical standards. His character reflects the societal expectation
of individuals to question and challenge potentially unethical behavior.
On the other hand, Dr. Lanyon, Jekyll's colleague, serves as a contrasting figure. Initially
aligned with the scientific pursuits of Jekyll, Lanyon undergoes a dramatic transformation
when confronted with the reality of Jekyll's experiments. The shock and subsequent
physical decline that Lanyon experiences underscore the ethical and moral implications of
Jekyll's scientific endeavors. Lanyon's character highlights the struggle individuals may
face when scientific curiosity clashes with deeply ingrained moral beliefs.
Through these characters, Stevenson explores the ethical tension surrounding scientific
exploration. The dichotomy between Utterson's moral investigation and Lanyon's moral
crisis underscores the broader societal discourse on the ethical responsibilities that
accompany scientific inquiry. Stevenson suggests that while scientific curiosity is a driving
force, ethical considerations must not be disregarded, as the consequences of such neglect
can be profound and far-reaching. In essence, the characters surrounding Dr. Jekyll serve
as conduits for Stevenson's exploration of the ethical dimensions inherent in the pursuit of
scientific knowledge.
ETHICS IN “THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY” (LACK OF ETHICS)
In Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," the absence of ethics is a pervasive and
central theme that shapes the trajectory of the protagonist, Dorian Gray. At the heart of the
narrative is Dorian's susceptibility to the seductive philosophies of Lord Henry, who
advocates for a life unfettered by conventional moral constraints. This influence becomes
the catalyst for Dorian's descent into a world of unrestrained hedonism, pleasure-seeking,
and the pursuit of aesthetic ideals at the expense of ethical considerations.
As Dorian immerses himself in a life devoted to the pursuit of pleasure, he becomes
increasingly detached from the moral values that traditionally guide society. His
relationships, once grounded in sincerity, devolve into manipulative endeavors designed
solely for his own gratification. The ethical erosion is particularly evident in his callous
abandonment of those who genuinely care about him, as well as in his exploitation of
others for personal gain.
The portrait that Wilde employs as a narrative device embodies the toll of Dorian's
unethical choices. Unlike Dorian himself, the portrait ages and bears the scars of his
debauchery, serving as a visual representation of the moral decay hidden behind Dorian's
youthful facade. The portrait becomes a haunting symbol of the consequences of a life
devoid of ethical considerations.
Wilde's exploration of the lack of ethics in Dorian's life serves as a cautionary commentary
on the dangers of unchecked hedonism and the pursuit of beauty at the expense of
morality. The novel prompts readers to reflect on the enduring consequences of unethical
choices, both on an individual level and in their broader societal implications. Through
Dorian Gray, Wilde paints a vivid portrait of the perils of abandoning ethical principles in
the relentless pursuit of personal pleasure and aesthetic perfection.