Final answer:
The sayings pertain to the complexity of ethical decisions and the need for the will to do what's right, beyond just moral codes or rational ethics. Ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics offer different criteria for ethical decision-making, but real-life situations often require weighing competing duties and using judgment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sayings 'Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what's right' and 'Even the most rational approach to ethics is defenseless if there isn't the will to do what is right' both highlight the complexity of moral decision-making. They suggest that a strict adherence to a moral code may not always lead to the best outcomes, and that the determination to act ethically is crucial. In ethical theory, we find different approaches such as utilitarianism, which emphasizes the consequences of actions, deontology, which focuses on duties and rules, and virtue ethics, which looks at the character of the moral agent.
Often, situations arise where moral rules conflict, as in the case of competing duties, and we must weigh our obligations to make the best decision. For example, a scenario where telling the truth may cause harm to someone else puts two moral principles in conflict. In navigating such dilemmas, a moral theory should guide behavior and provide a logical framework for decision-making, as emphasized by thinkers like Sir William David Ross who critiqued single-principle moral systems.
Ultimately, these sayings, along with the reflections of philosophers like Confucius, encourage us to think deeply about what it means to do 'what is right' and to exercise judgment when our moral intuitions are at odds with ethical rules or frameworks.