A Basis for Morality Essay - 2815 Words

A Basis for Morality In humanitys quest to distinguish itself from the rest of the animal world, a claim to morality has long been one of its greatest arguments. Perhaps second only to reason as a distinguishing characteristic, the ability to exhibit moral behavior instills in humans a distinct sense of natural order. Yet when anthropocentric egoism is dropped and we recognize that we are not, in fact, much different from other animals, our distinctive moral behavior begs explanation. What compels the majority of humans to behave morally? Why do some not? How should we respond to behaviors that are either immoral or amoral? Do we possess an innate sense of morality, determined by our neurobiology? Or to put it another (more†¦show more content†¦While specifics of morality vary across cultures, and often across individuals, some basic trends appear universally. Benevolence, fairness, and honesty - in short, those traits that make a social existence possible - are consistently named when people in many different cultures are asked to describe moral behavior (1). This is the first cause to think that a basic morality may be innate in humans and not merely a product of cultural education, although it is not in itself proof of that possibility. With this evidence, it is just as reasonable to hypothesize that the basic similarities in social structure are sufficient to give rise to similarities in acceptable behavior as it is to hypothesize that ideas of acceptable behavior are innate. The original source of morality aside for the moment, we can effectively consider the cause of moral behavior in individuals. Psychological literature tends to focus on the emotional basis of morality. One of the most important affects in determining moral behavior is empathy, an emotional response triggered by the apprehension of anothers emotional state and characterized by having feelings similar to what the other is feeling (2). This ability to perceive another individuals emotions is crucial to our ability to make moral decisions - that is, to make decisions that positively influence others. TheShow MoreRelatedMorality : The Basis Of Morality1586 Words   |  7 PagesEssay 2 TOPIC ONE: THE BASIS OF MORALITY The basis of morality has been major area of discussion for philosophers for many years. In The Leviathan, Hobbes argues that desire and aversion determine what is good, evil, right or wrong, believing in a subjective self-interest based view on morality. In The Grounding of Metaphysics of Morals, Kant takes a rational approach, arguing that it is reason that plays a role in determining the same, thus having an objective view on morality. In my opinion, Hobbes’Read MoreThe Objective Basis of Morality Challenged1611 Words   |  7 PagesThe Objective Basis of Morality Challenged The origins of morality and what is defined as good or bad, unethical or moral can easily boggle the mind. It is a topic that can be debated almost endlessly. There are many factors that must be taken into consideration to provide valid philosophies; yet there will still always be debatable elements. Two concepts of morality that are in direct opposition of each other are moral objectivism and moral relativism. Moral relativism can be subjectiveRead MoreTranscendentalism: The Basis of Morality Essay examples923 Words   |  4 Pagesnature; but also include a portion of logic and reasoning. ...transcendentalism remains firm in the hearts not just of religious believers but also of countless scholars in the social sciences and the humanities...(Wilson, The Biological Basis of Morality). Although there is not much logic to support the theories of a God or a higher being somewhere, there is also not enough evidence to disprove the belief of anyone. God is a breeze, you can feel it but cannot see it. Theologians and PhilosophersRead MoreAnimal Rights Should Be Afforded On The Basis Of Morality994 Words   |  4 Pagestowards them. Affording animals certain rights would improve their living conditions as well as human’s conditions, and increase the awareness of the consequences humans may face due to their maltreatment. Animal rights should be afforded on the basis of morality. As a society of moral and just people, it would be wrong to mistreat animals. The treatment of these animals must be protected by some form of rights. Different animals are consumed by humans in different countries. The animals which are sociallyRead MoreCan Medical Service be Refused on the Basis of Morality and Ethics?793 Words   |  3 PagesRefusing Service or Care Whenever there is a discussion that involves ethics and morality there always seems to be some debate. Professional ethics has become more significant over the years. As people become more specialized in their occupations, the concerns become that much more complex. Professional bodies have more and more been at work developing, revising and refining professional codes of ethics. Professionals themselves have asked for more comprehensive codes so as to have better directionRead MoreAnyone or anything that is rational possesses will, whether it is a human being or a field mouse.900 Words   |  4 Pageswe would simply be reacting to external causes. To see how Kant’s statement translates into saying an autonomous will is bound by moral law, we must first understand what morality is, and how one achieves it. Kant believes that morality is an a priori concept, or one that is independent of any experiences of the world. Morality stems from the idea of the ‘good will’, which Kant argues is the only thing truly ‘good’ in the world. Rational beings can bring about their wills through imperatives, orRead MoreReligion, Morality, And Atheism1734 Words   |  7 Pagesare against it. However, these are just a couple of examples showing just how unethical religions can appear to be. But these are only the connotations of religion, morality, and atheism. The true definition of religion is â€Å"an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or group of gods.† Note that morality has the separate definition of â€Å"beliefs about what is right and wrong behavior† and the counterpart of religion is atheism, or the lack of the â€Å"belief in the existenceRead MoreDebate On Morality With And Without God1046 Words   |  5 PagesM. SURBER BCOR STEP II: PAPER OUTLINE Topic of debate: Morality with/without God I. Introduction: a. Throughout my life I have been involved in a dynamic battle that always comes back to one question: Is there such a thing as â€Å"God†? I have been raised up in a pretty much non-practicing Christian home. Growing up in this type of lifestyle I have encountered a multitude of different belief systems that were either Secular or Christian-like. But with this debate of if God is real or not, I have comeRead MoreMoral Judgements And Moral Values Essay1372 Words   |  6 Pagesare whatever we as humans choose to pursue and whatever we desire. Now, whether morality is an objective property of the universe, or rather the subjective opinion of humans, is in fact one of the longest running issues in the world of philosophy. This ongoing debate continue for the sole reason that it is hampered by a lack of clarity on what objective and subjective moralities actually are. Objective morality is the stance that something can be discerned to be a morally wrong thing throughRead MoreThe Doctrine Of The Divine Command Theory1237 Words   |  5 PagesThe Divine Command Theory dictates that â€Å"An act is morally required just because it is commanded by God, and immoral just because God forbids it (Shafer-Landau 65).† This view is often accepted by religious people as the basis for morality; the morality of an action is determined by whether or not it is commanded by God. However, there are multiple problems presented by this line of thinking. One of the most common arguments against this theory is known as the Euthyphro Dilemma, derived from Plato’s