...It is all relative: A look at what is “right” and “wrong” with our views on morality In her article “On Morality,” Joan Didion attempts to address the subject of morality, a word that she says she “mistrusts more every day.” Many people trace morality back to Socrates and his Greek compatriots, but it is not as if those philosophers thought one day out of the blue, “Gee, understanding right from wrong and making valued choices based on that understanding sounds like a great way to live. People should just do that from now on!” No, the idea of morality did not randomly pop into some ancient toga wearing philosopher’s head; morality is innate in human beings. The concept of morality has become prevalent in our species over time through biological and societal evolution, and is made stronger in individuals through upbringing and social development. However, as Didion notes in her article, what is right, what is wrong, and the very meaning of morality itself has become difficult to discern in today’s modern world. Morality has its roots in the evolution of our species. In order to have a better chance of survival and reproduction in the big old scary Stone Age world, early humans used social bonding and grouping to gain a competitive advantage. These early groups were only as strong as the relationships between their members; groups with individuals who empathized with one another and looked out for one another would have a better chance at survival and procreation....
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...Abortion: Where Has Morality Gone? In today’s society, often times many people do not even consider the question of morality before taking certain actions, because the subject of morality has become a gray area in which morality can scarcely be defined. For instance, Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines morality as "the quality of being in accord with standards of right or good conduct” (Webster Online). However, everyone has a different opinion of right and wrong. There are approximately 46 Million abortions per year worldwide about 1.37 Million abortions here in US (abortionno.org). This difference of opinion on what is moral causes many disputes such as in the topic of abortion. Some people believe it is a woman’s prerogative to choose whether or not to have a child, while still many others believe it is “morally” wrong to have an abortion. On the other hand, there are moderates who disagree with the idea or the morality of abortion, but agree that there are certain circumstances that should give the woman the option. Since abortion is essentially the killing of an unborn child, why are women who abort not convicted as murderers, just as women who kill their children face such charges? Morality should be a standard at all times and abortion should be no exception. In fact, abortion is destroying the life of a child; therefore, it should be considered morally wrong, except when extenuating circumstances leave no other choice for the woman. Abortion...
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...In his essay Existentialism is Humanism Sartre develops an atheistic moral system. In this paper, I will examine the moral system that Sartre presents. I will attempt to provide the most plausible interpretation of this morality and determine if this moral system can work in a society. I will conclude that there are several problems with Sartre’s account of morality that make it inadequate. And I will try to provide a possible solution to these problems. In order to understand Sartre’s account of morality we should first examine the basis upon which it is developed. Sartre develops his account of morality from a perspective of what he calls a “consistently atheistic” existentialism. The “consistently atheistic” existentialism maintains that God does not exist. This means that there can be no universal moral values, but it also means, and this is very important for Sartre’s account that man’s existence comes before man’s essence. If God does not exist then there can be no universal moral values because such values, at least in the European morality, come from the “commandments of God”. We use these commandments to define good and evil, and upon these two opposing concepts we base our morality. Furthermore if God does not exist then man was not created according to a divine plan, his essence was not defined a priori, and therefore there is no such a thing as “Human nature”. Sartre defines his phrase “existence precedes essence” as applied to man...
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...the aforementioned phrases. However, what are they classified as? Do these expressions deal with morality, ethics, or both? Although these terms are often confused, morality and ethics are very distinct. On the surface this terminology may seem analogous, but their definitions are quite dissimilar. Morality and ethics are major components when examining the decision making of corporations. Despite having different meanings, morality and ethics are interrelated words that play a major part in business organizations. Morality The term morality deals with an individual or groups interpretation of what is right and wrong. In fact, it can be defined as the standards that a group or individual has about what is good and evil or right and wrong (Velasquez, 2006). Morals for the most part, are fairly unwavering within a group. The vast majority of people would agree that it is wrong or immoral to murder, steal, lie, or cheat. These are examples of moral standards. Moral standards are described as the types of behaviors or actions believed to be morally good or bad (Velasquez, 2006). There is also what is known as nonmoral standards. These principles judge what is good or bad in a nonmoral way such as good grammar or proper etiquette (Velasquez, 2006). In addition to understanding the meaning of morality, it is important to understand where these standards come from. Morality comes from many different influences in a person’s life. These standards are usually absorbed as...
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...and takes the extreme position by arguing that moral choices, judgments, and resolutions are so subjective that discussions, contemplation, and deliberations on morality are useless is called a _______ subjectist Cynical A______truth is dependent on the subject’s own experience. Subjective A person who believes that whatever an individual says is right for that particular individual is called a _____ Relativist Hume believed that the only kind of truth that can be known is a _____ Truth Subjective The notion of ethical _________which is often mistaken and confused with Ethical relativism, doubts that any acts are right or wrong. | | Skepticism Moral decisions, determinations, and judgments are acknowledged and established in a cultural context, and these positions are subject to change depending on one’s cultural Relativism ______is the notion that there is no concrete certainty the sphere of knowledge and truth. Relativism An objective______ is a truth that is independent of an observer. Truth _________ is the notion that truth depends on context—the time, place, and the identity of the observer. Relativism The certainty of Descartes’ rationalism leads to the idea of absolute truth In the never-ending debate between relativism and dogmatism, most people agree that the solution for inclusivity is moderation People who argue that ethics and morality are subjective, and moral choices should be made on individual assessment, or societal...
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...Ethics and Morality Doreen B. Jackson Everest University 1. How would Robert Coles respond to this quote? Robert Coles might answer this quote by making us consider going from thinking to action, and using moral analysis to the fulfilling moral commitments. Moral conduct is not commensurate with moral reasoning although there is a correlation between a plan of action and moral reasoning. Students might learn of the moral code of ethics, but they are the ones required to make the commitment by studying and following them, therefore becoming a more ethical person. My answer to the quote is, we as people make our own choices concerning our own actions. We are confronted with moral dilemmas that allow us to make those choices. When studying our daily living we show our morality by our chosen actions and our spoken words. We decide whether our decisions are good or will have ramifications. If our actions are not continually studied a code of ethics may never be maintained causing adversity in our personal and social lives. 2. How do you explain the fact that morally evil people can be highly educated in terms of ethics and religion? In other words, how do you account for the gap that sometimes occurs between knowledge of ethics and being ethical person? To them morality is simply rules that are memorized. Morality can be stated or referenced but not adopted. Moral choices require deep thought and consideration. The so called evil persons do not have empathy...
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...adfh JIS S e c 3 (1 ) 2 0 0 7 Journal of Inform ation System Security w w w.jissec.o rg Ethics and Morality - a business opportunity for the Amoral? Ian O. Angell Professor of Information Systems Information Systems Department London School of Economics and Political Science London, United Kingdom Preamble It is common for speakers at computer security conferences to tell audiences that 'they should do' this, and 'should do' that. The word 'should' is regularly thrown about as some jumbled-up mixture of efficiency and ethics, without any justification of the imperative. This paper will concentrate on the ethical issues, and so it will quickly dispose of 'efficiency,' leaving detailed argument for another time. Then, taking the devil's advocate position, it will focus on demolishing the certainty behind the ethical obligation, by questioning the role of ethics in society in general, but specifically in computer security. Indeed this paper will claim that an unsuspected morality and ritual lies behind many real-world security choices and much so-called 'objective' academic analysis. Furthermore, it will propose that such moralistic positions are highly problematic, and that all recommendations phrased in terms of virtue rather than pragmatism be treated as highly suspect. This polemical paper formed the basis of a keynote address given at the 5th Computer Security Conference, held in Las Vegas on the 20th-21st April 2006. 4 Angell, JISSec ...
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...difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones. One philosophical dilemma that has remained culturally significant is the Euthyphro dilemma. The dilemma was first proposed in Plato's dialogue Euthyphro, in which Socrates asks Euthyphro, " Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?" Translated, this question asks "Is what is morally good commanded by God because it is morally good, or is it morally good because it is commanded by God?" In this essay I will explain and elaborate on the consequences of both options of the dilemma. The first choice of the dilemma (that which is morally good is commanded by God because it is morally good) suggests that there are independent moral standards, which God himself cannot alter. While this perspective gives purpose to the concept of morality, it challenges the properties and abilities of an omnipotent god such as the Christian god defined by the Bible. For instance, if moral standards exist that are independent from God, then there is something God himself cannot control. Instead of God controlling the known universe, God is instead controlled by these moral standards. In addition, God’s righteousness depends upon how closely he follows these moral standards. Therefore, God is restricted in his power and denied his free will if he is to be righteous. Secondly, if moral standards exist that are independent of God, then morality would...
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...6. What is Consequentialism? Explain/Define the following varieties of the term: A. Utilitarianism B. Hedonistic C. Endamonic D. Aesthetic E. Altruistic • Consequentialism is a theory of right, which takes the requirement to pick the act with the best upshot as the sole obligation. • Consequentialism holds that an action is morally right if, and only if, the action has one of the best overall consequences. In the absence of a “tie,” there will only be one right action; this action is morally required and other actions are morally forbidden. A. Utilitarianism • Utilitarianism is consequentialism coupled with a specific theory of good, welfarism. • Utilitarianism holds that an action is morally right if, and only if, the action has the consequences with (one of) the greatest overall amount of well-being. • In other words, utilitarianism holds that an act is right if, and only if, the action has one of the best consequences from the utilitarian point of view. B. Hedonistic • To a HEDONIST, happiness is having all the pleasure one can obtain. • Everyone deserves as much pleasure as possible. • Pleasure is automatically good. • No amount of pleasure is ever too much. • The absence of pleasure is a misfortune for which compensation is due. C. Eudaemonic • Not a whole philosophical system, only an ethical system • Eudaemonistic: Directed toward happiness; Spiritual directedness toward the...
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...“Classical Theories of Morality” and the relevance of these theories to cultural identity. Aristotle’s theory suggests that every action is aimed at some good and good is the object of these actions. Aristotle defines the good as happiness (Kucukuysal and Beyhan, 2011). Happiness and good are synonymous across cultures with living well. However, culture defines the meaning of happiness at different points in ones life. Ones perception of happiness can be quite different from another’s (Scalet and Arthur, 2014). For example, one may define happiness through wealth and success and another may define happiness, not on the material things they own but the family they have and the choices they have made through life. Aristotle also suggests happiness conforms to goodness of virtue (Kucukuysal and Beyhan, 2011). To be happy and good, one must make the right choices. Virtue is taught and learned. The ability to define happiness and decide what is virtuous is an individual choice based upon life teachings and experience. In order to make someone else happy, you must be happy with yourself. Life’s choices, treatment of others should be made with the best of intentions and cause no harm to others. Scalet and Arthur (2014) have suggested the quality of life is determined by activities and that a happy person will never do what is hateful and mean but will live life with dignity and always do what is best. Kant’s theory suggests that actions determine morality and one must not only act...
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...institutions as one of the main reasons. He argues that morality in public offices impacts the actions of the people working in them because employees feel protected by the larger framework they are part of and responsibilities are shared on such a large scale that the sense of personal responsibility fades. Moreover, the people in public office roles have been depersonalized, creating the notion that they are somehow a more objective and neutral person. This however leads the public to believe that personal morals do not affect the professional actions of an individual in public office and as the author points out, this is a big mistake. Exercizing power is a form of individual expression and therefore also guided by personal morality. Demands placed on the individual often cause a divide between the person’s individual and professional morality. The author attempts to determine whether professional morality is derived from personal morality. The author provides two theories for professional morality linked to personal morality; the first states that there is derivability to some extent although it is possible that public morality is a weaker version of the personal version. The other option he presents is that public and personal morality are not linked. An explanation for the second option could be that people in public offices need to make decisions people normally do not need to make, and therefore do not possess the morality framework in their personal lives to apply in their...
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...adfh JIS S e c 3 (1 ) 2 0 0 7 Journal of Inform ation System Security w w w.jissec.o rg Ethics and Morality - a business opportunity for the Amoral? Ian O. Angell Professor of Information Systems Information Systems Department London School of Economics and Political Science London, United Kingdom Preamble It is common for speakers at computer security conferences to tell audiences that 'they should do' this, and 'should do' that. The word 'should' is regularly thrown about as some jumbled-up mixture of efficiency and ethics, without any justification of the imperative. This paper will concentrate on the ethical issues, and so it will quickly dispose of 'efficiency,' leaving detailed argument for another time. Then, taking the devil's advocate position, it will focus on demolishing the certainty behind the ethical obligation, by questioning the role of ethics in society in general, but specifically in computer security. Indeed this paper will claim that an unsuspected morality and ritual lies behind many real-world security choices and much so-called 'objective' academic analysis. Furthermore, it will propose that such moralistic positions are highly problematic, and that all recommendations phrased in terms of virtue rather than pragmatism be treated as highly suspect. This polemical paper formed the basis of a keynote address given at the 5th Computer Security Conference, held in Las Vegas on the 20th-21st April 2006. 4 Angell, JISSec adfh The quest for efficiency, where...
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...and humanism brings with it several emotional implications or responsibilities in which choice is connected. One of the emotional links is that of anguish. Satre states that anguish is an individual’s response to freedom …“we are responsible as we are free” .. (Flynn 2006 pg8) that individuals have to take sole responsibility for actions taken resulting in the feeling of anguish. Discussion As starte stated existence precedes essence, we are all a Tabula Rasa(blank slate) that we are all free in which to make the choices and decisions that shapes who we are. Anguish is almost an emotional response to the freedom that we have, that we are all free to choose own paths in life, we should be responsible for all of our actions, choices and decisions that we make. When choosing that decision we are choosing that decision for all. ..”When choosing for himself he chooses for all mankind..” (Cohen- solal 1996 pg, 67) Satre utilised Kierkegaards example of Abraham sacrificing his son as a result of a divine command in which to explain anguish more clearly. Stare sates that is it Abraham’s choice in which to interpret the command as divine or god like. To satre the freedom is the value of all values that we can experience aguish as a result of the responsibility of being truly free, however satre suggested that we are also condemned to be free, resulting in anguish felt at making the right choices. Evaluation It could be suggested that Satres strong views that we are all free could...
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...this suggests that morality is both subjective and objective just like values. According to an article I’ve read on the internet, homosexuality is not immoral. There were major ethnical theories presented, but I will focus on just one theory, which is utilitarianism. Utilitarianism states that morality should be guided by the results of an action. If an action leads to good results, then it is a good act, but if an action leads to bad results, then it is a bad act. This theory will tell us that homosexuality will be morally right if its consequences lead to happiness, and wrong if it ends in unhappiness. Now, the question is this: does being homosexual lead to happiness or pain? Before I answer that question, let me first discuss the possible causes of homosexuality. According to Craig Biddle, an author of books regarding morality and principles, there are three elements that causes homosexuality. Two of which are biological and environmental. Science is still inconclusive what makes some people homosexual, but it is believed that there some genes that makes them such. Most scientists would agree that being gay is not a choice. Years of research suggest that people can't change their sexual orientation because they want to, and that trying can cause mental anguish. What's more, some studies suggest that being gay may have a genetic or biological basis. [Ghose, 2015] If trying to change ones sexual orientation could lead to mental anguish, then what choice do homosexual have...
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...violated building codes and failed to respond appropriately to information that the building was not safe, the accident would not have happened. (Fortune, 2013) Furthermore, this businesses immorality not only affected those employees that died but the lives of their families, as well as all those whom witnessed the event. One will never know the extent of damage caused by immoral acts such as this one; the repercussions are too far reaching. In a business environment, a business should be more conscious of acting morally correct than any individual, because the number of live affected are incalculable. Deontological Ethics Deontological ethics is the position that judges the morality of an action based on the action’s adherence to the rules. (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2014) This means that morality is what the law says it is; the law says that killing someone is not wrong as long as the individual is defending...
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