A holistic approach to ethics in social wellbeing | Noel Borg

Noel Borg, Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies

The concept of holistic approach within the domains of life continues to thrive in each and every life experience. Yet, the conceptualisation of ethics, as a normative understanding can remain unclear within the context of social wellbeing. The definite answer does not revolve around understanding the tangible, but rather in formulating moral grounds of right and wrong. Realistically speaking in this day and age, what is right and wrong? The formulation of ethics can be very clear, if reasoning is embedded in holistic and considering frameworks of the social narrative that we all perceive.

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From an anthropological understanding to secular adoption, we all have the potential to contribute to society. The basis of what we express in our social context is founded by the understanding of how we relate to each other. In ethical discourse, one can explore as how to resonate concepts at the heart of ethical thought which leads to the understanding and interpretation of ethics in our lives. Solidarity, proportionality and justice amongst the many can serve more than simply points of reference. In our understanding such venues of prosperous conduct to us, we can aspire an inspirational social wellbeing that is founded in the holistic understanding of interconnection to greater aspects of self to others.

Solidarity, if grounded in common interests that lead towards the achievements of unity, has the potential to result in a unified sense of selves and social contexts by uniting feelings and actions. The holistic attribute of such a positive notion leads to mutual and common interests. This becomes even more consolidated when the aspects of equity and equality within variables and disparities are sought though proportionality within societies. Indeed, what can be greater than a sense of wellbeing upon common good?

Defining the qualitative theme of wellbeing is a key bone of contention in social science. To achieve quality, we must seek out the individual notions of expression that fulfil our desires as much as our needs. It is through working in that interface between the personal and the social that we attain higher levels of wellbeing and quality of life. We must seek to acquire a sense of value that gives us perception and reason for self-consideration. We should value ourselves and set parameters that define our qualitative expression within ethical adoption of our communities. Doubters may ask: Is this possible? Are we giving enough space and time to ourselves to come to this achievement? The answers are very simple. However, they must be answered by the same person who put forward the questions. The ethical formulation of individuals should result from virtues that constitute our position in society. Our culture should also be geared in nurturing values that constitute our identity.

Ethics is not a commodity, but rather the essence of principles that can formulate much more than guidelines to our professional and personal selves. It is the definition of behaviour, in right and wrong. It is the framework for sound social wellbeing. The sense of meaning and belonging within our communities should share common values grounded in sense of righteousness. The positive sense of wellbeing compliments and ascertains ethics in defining morality and how each and every person can experience the aura of interconnectedness though eudaimonia and its ethical expression.