Is there an absolute good and evil, or is morality relative?

Question

Morals change over time and in different cultures. Does this mean I have to obey the local (current) laws to the letter?

Answer 1

What a great question.

In theory, the law of the land is supposed to match a societies definition of morality… however, as we all know, this is not the case. Look at today. Just because something is legal does not necessarily mean that it is moral.

So this may be why some like to argue that morality is relative, but if one has any knowledge of history, they would see that there is a direct correlation between the level of morals held by a particular civilization and their ability to grow and prosper in their time.

A society’s stability is based on its moral foundation and the people’s capacity to stay loyal to it.

The stronger the morals held in a society and the more people obey it, its ability to stay united and grow together toward a common and greater goal is preserved.

It makes a nation strong.

But once a society loses focus on doing what is best for the common good, it becomes prone to corruption and ultimately it’s destruction.

The Roman Empire is a classical example of a society that had many ridged rules and regulations but collapse once its social morals decayed.

But don’t get caught up in the details.

The question is not a matter of whether you have to follow every single law out there, and whether you'd get caught for breaking it, but rather if you are excusing yourself from obeying a certain law at the expense of YOUR moral standards. (assuming the law doesn't come from dumblaws.com ;o)

Whichever way you choose, it will be decided by your level of honor…

…and the choice to be a coward or virtuous man has always been a personal one.

If you believe in something called truth,
there is absolute good and evil.

Answer 2

All relative. Unfortunately laws are not based on morality, rather community standards( a set of rules that voted politicians deem are necessary to create a civil society) these are never perfect and are always a compromise ,so no you don't have to OBEY a compromised set of laws rather you have to be willing to deal with the consequences if you get caught, that is all( doing life in prison with your cell mate/ lover named BUBBA)

As far as morality is concerned.do unto others as you would like them to do to you( That is basically the foundation of all major religions), or worst case do whatever the hell you can get away with .e.g. Bush co., life is short , don't look back.

Define absolute good, define absolute evil. See... your answer will be different than a billion other peoples in the world so it's all relative to each person.

Answer 3

I do believe that there is absolute good and evil. And Morals are relative to the point that you have a reference to Gage your goodness or your evilness. Morals really haven't changed that much, but yes the culture has. But that doesn't mean the morals changed, just the people. What was good then, is good now. And Evil has always been bad. It's a matter of the heart. You know right from wrong if you listen to your heart.

Answer 4

Morality is human, and therefore relative to the culture and community. You have to obey local laws if you don't want local punishment from the local people. Many people obey laws that conflict (or at least fail to violate) their personal morals.

Answer 5

That's a good question beacause your thinking makes complete sence but you live in a country in which the government is not realistic about the changes or maybe the thruth that they have been hiding for years so you do have to follow the rules even if you don't agree whith them. But you do have the right to choose the morals you aply to your life.

Answer 6

Well, I don't think fundamental morality is relative. I mean, there's the Golden Rule. And killing people is right out. But, there are different answers, depending on the time period, to "Is is okay to steal a loaf of bread if you and your family were starving?"

Answer 7

Absoultes are an extremely rare commodity. We live in a very dynamic world. In regards to your question about the law, that depends. A city I lived in had two laws still on their books - It was required by law to smile while in public, as well as decency laws regarding intimate relations with your own spouse - I want to know how they enforce that. Either way, you only break the law if you get caught, right?

Answer 8

Morality is not relative, so yes, you have to obey the authority you are under (i.e. the government) so long as they are not making you do anything immoral.

Answer 9

Morality is based on the society one lives in. In a head-hunting society, it is not considered immoral to "chop off" someone's head, reduce it to miniature status, and display it as a trophy. In a cannibalistic society, it is not considered "immoral" to "eat" someone to survive.

What does your local society deem moral?

Answer 10

Morality is relative. What's good for one is bad for another. There is the tired old question they ask of the "you should never lie" crowd. "Would you lie to the nazis, or tell them where the jews are hiding?"