serious question time: at what point does a moral become universal?

Question

like it's a universal moral that stealing is wrong. you steal money, you go to jail.
but other moral issues are legally optional. like I think some things I hear in the media are awful and immoral, but legally they are okay. like say that DJ in New York who threatened to rape the daughter of his competition. most agree it's wrong. but it's legal.
so where do YOU think the legal line should be?

Answer 1

This is an outstanding question, and one that will not have an easy answer. Part of the problem is in how one defines "morals." In the United States, morality seems to change over time; what was not acceptable 25 years ago may be considered normal today. And far too many people believe that "if it is legal, it is moral." This idea makes the waters even more murky.
While I personally do not want to see America declare that morality can be legislated (it has not worked; the Prohibition proves that point), we do have to protect the citizens.
I would draw the legal/moral line at the point where the action(s) of one detrimentally affect others. Any act that harms the person, property or reputation of another unless it is in self-defense of ones life, should be considered illegal AND immoral. In that definition, the DJ in New York would be breaking a law and immoral at the same time.
Of course, I realize that this definition will have problems and there will probably be exceptions. But I think it is where we must start. I do not believe it is moral to deliberately hurt another's person, property or reputation and that it should be illegal as well.
But this will take a lot more work!!

Answer 2

I mean... personally... I think the way it's set up is about as good as you are going to get...

basically the Supreme Court has final say over morality (as far as law is concerned) and they judge often by using standards set out by the community... there is always going to be moral relativism to some degree... it's a free country with freedom of religion, so different people are going to clearly consider different things moral and immoral...

when does it become universal... well, I guess it's what society shuns and finds the most offensive... like raping little boys was ok in ancient Greece, but now pretty much everyone thinks it's a bad idea...

it's a pretty gray area... and the harder someone tries to make it black and white... the worse the situation usually gets....

Answer 3

A moral becomes universal when it applies to all people at all times.

1. There is no general agreement on where the legal line should be -- for example, there is no general agreement on the purpose of law: should it be a written template applicable to everyone regardless of their stature (Herbert Spencer and classical 19th century liberalism?) or should it be a tool to serve society and social justice (Leninism?) or should it be the device for making a utopian society (some socialists and most of the Christian right favor using law to create their [radically different] utopias.

2. There is a school of philosophy, ethical relativism, that says there are NO moral universals. See www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/ethicalrelativism.html

I could say more on this and tell you who is "right," but that answer is coming from the philosophy I personally find the best, Lockean empiricism.

So I'll just say you have a deep question, and every facet of it is furiously argued by well educated people!

Answer 4

I think a moral becomes universal when virtually everyone agrees that it is so.

As for the DJ, it is NOT legal to threaten someone like that. Read:

"DJ Star was busted for aggravated harassment and endangering the welfare of a child after threatening the family of rival DJ Envy (see Essay 586). According to on-air transcripts, DJ Star said he wanted to rape his rival’s 4-year-old daughter and referred to DJ Envy’s part-Asian wife as a “slant-eyed whore.” Following his arrest, the DJ proclaimed, “You’re looking at the new Lenny Bruce.” More like the new Lenny Kosnowski of Laverne & Shirley fame."

Then later, he was let off because:
Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady said her office agreed to this resolution "because it serves the best interest of the 4-year-old victim by sparing the victim any further attention."

If he hadn't been such a big celebrity, he would have gone to prison.

Answer 5

Every society base its moral concept based on traditions and sometimes on education.

well what can be moral should not always be a legal issue as we'll all end up in jail or worst

Answer 6

the issue of ethics has to do with ownership and damage.
if there is no damage, there can be no claim of wrong.
if there is no credible threat of damage there is no threat.

morality is how you use your standard of values to determine what is the best choice in any decision you make.
the only tool of law is force. force is used only to negate choice.
do not confuse legality with morality.
morality is the science of choice.

good choices which are truly universal are based on natural rights, without which no other choices are possible. among these rights are:
ownership of your body and mind and the fruits of your labors.

Answer 7

I agree with Vaness. Traditions and Cultures are important when it comes to deciding morals.

Answer 8

somethings we must except and know we can not change .
moral and the values that come with it are inside you but politics and GOVERNMENT is a whole different BALL GAME.

Answer 9

It should be narrow and we kill the ones who step over it.