OP: Lawrence once observed: "Ethics and equity and the principles of justice do not change with the calendar." What message does this comment convey to you?
Me: In regards to the original post, I believe the expression can be likened to a phrase another philosopher I admire put forth:
"Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking." J. C. Watts
The way it connects is through displaying, in both instances, that regardless of what is occur, be it constant flux of conceived reality or any other understandings limited by human perception, the truth is the truth, regardless of belief, and that truth, in this case applied to Ethics, would not change with the passing of time. It would seem counter-intuitive to say "good is good" isn't true, if it weren't for the fact that it involves a moral imperative, and it is a moral imperative the source of the quote in question he seemed derived his reasoning from. I'm more inclined towards Aristotle's "Golden Mean" concept, personally, but I also understand his quote could be construed to mean, among other things, that despite changing laws (bureaucracy aside), if there is a truth to ethics that exists, and if we are to assume there is an absolute governing principle related to ethics, equity, justice, and principles of the like, it will always be there, regardless of changing belief and human error from ignorance.
On the contrary, he could be noting the bureaucratic system, and how much red tape is in place to prevent rapid and radical change in this nation. In that case, he would be saying it's hard to change understanding regarding a principle (whether morality, ethics, or any other) as people tend to cling to old paradigms of thought and resist change in a system they feel comfortable with.
"Misunderstandings are always caused by the inability of appreciating one another's point of view. The best way to dispel ignorance of the doings of others is by a systematic spread of general knowledge. With this objective view, it is most important to aid exchange of thought and intercourse." -Nikola Tesla
There are several reasons I admire Nikola Tesla, and his encouragement of systematic spreading of knowledge is one of them. As it is said "Common sense isn't so common."
Unfortunately, there is still no group consensus on what "common sense" is.
"When logicians take over the world --and we will, one of these days-- people who leave out premises will be shot!"- Dr. Olson
I think my previous professor who taught logic was on par with an ideal proposed action. Just kidding. Maybe.
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