THP-2: Ethics Charter (Updated)
(Omitted: descriptions of the ethics institutions, the Four Sages, and the nature of human rights.)
Priority of Culture/Religion vs. Universal Human Rights (Link to the People Charter)
Academic version
Cultural and religious practices shall, in principle, be respected to the fullest extent; however, when they conflict with universal human rights, they are rendered invalid. The standard for judgment follows the "Prohibited Practices List" attached to the THP People Charter.
Explanation
Diverse cultures and religions are respected. However, if a cultural or religious rule violates universal human rights that define "what is absolutely unacceptable for humans," then human rights take priority over that rule.
Operational Core Principle: Inseparability of Responsibility and Authority
Academic version
Inseparability of responsibility and authority: The exercise of authority necessarily entails accountability for that act and responsibility for its outcomes.
Restriction of qualification: Any actor who is unwilling to accept the consequences must not exercise the corresponding authority.
Constructive intent: The moment authority is exercised, the actor is deemed to have expressed the intent to accept responsibility for the outcome.
Nature of the rule: This principle does not evaluate a person's value or attributes; it defines the operational relationship between action and authority.
Explanation
"If you use authority, responsibility comes with it": Anyone who uses great power or rules must be able to explain the consequences and be ready to take responsibility for them.
"If you cannot take responsibility, do not use it": Anyone who is unwilling to accept the consequences must not use that authority.
"Using it means you accepted it": Once authority is exercised, the person has effectively promised, "I will take responsibility no matter what happens."
This is not about whether a person is "great" or not; it clarifies the rules that link actions to responsibility.