how is morality best understood?

Question

is morality best understood as rules, consequences or motive

Answer 1

There are three main kinds of theory of how morality should be.

One kind says morality is a set of rules set down by some authority - it might be the authority of God or of your own reason. And the rules apply no matter what the consequences are of following them. (The technical term for such theories is 'deontological'.)

A second kind says that morality is a calculation based upon just one fundamental rule, the rule that your chosen actions have the best possible consequences for everyone who will be affected by what you do. This involves calculation because you have to figure out which of your possible courses of action is likely to produce the most good for the most people. (Such theories are termed 'consequentialist'. The most developed theory of this kind is Utilitarianism.)

A third kind of moral theory says that morality is not about following rules but about having a virtuous moral character. To have a virtuous character is to be inclined to behave certain ways in certain situations. For example, if you have the virtue of courage you will behave courageously when the situation calls for it. Of course, a virtuous person has a whole set of virtues - and to have a set of virtues is to have a set of good moral motives. (Term: 'virtue theory'.)

As to which of these kinds of theory is best, the answer to that question has changed through history. Before Christianity, virtue theories were dominant. During the era of Christian dominance it was, of course, the authority of God. But these days it is consequentialist moralities that are dominant. Market economics, seen as a kind of moral theory, is consequentialist.

Answer 2

I can answer this only as I understand morality - which may well be different from the way(s) that others do.
For me, morality isn't any of the three possibilities you mentioned (i.e. rules, consequences or motives); instead it's a guideline, based on my "philosophy" of life, my personal notions of good/bad, right/wrong, desirable/undesirable.
Morality's use is to help us decide how to act, what to do in the choices we make throughout life. A set of "rules", while helpful for many, seems to me to be too rigid, given the numberless variables that that occur in similar situations.
Any morality consisting solely of "consequences" or "motives" - and, by that, I'm assuming you mean that
you decide what to do based on what you think the probable consequences will be or on what your motives are - is, I'd say, woefully inadequate in many respects, not the least of which is one's inability to predict consequences accurately or fully and/or the ability to ascertain one's true motives correctly.

Answer 3

I think you confuse morals and ethics.. morals are a personal issue between you and your god.

Ethics are the social issue between people. Generally speaking they are a set of rules motivated by an understanding of manners. Some have consequences to their violation.

Answer 4

Multiple meanings are as follows:

1. conformity to the rules of right conduct; moral or virtuous conduct.
2. moral quality or character.
3. virtue in sexual matters; chastity.
4. a doctrine or system of morals.
5. moral instruction; a moral lesson, precept, discourse, or utterance.

Good luck i hope u understand because i sure don't

Answer 5

Although I do not subscribe to any particular religion, I have always looked at morality as an individuals ability to show love to others. If you love someone, you put their needs before yours. If you love someone, you do not steal their belongings. See the Ten Commanments for a further definition of love and then you will have a better understanding of morality.

Answer 6

[ because of the fact in user-friendly terms the existence of God can clarify issues like Morality.] fake fact. Morality is a survival trait in primitive villages and herd animals. [yet wait, without God, there must be no morality by any skill. And without morality, there'd be no good judgment] fake and fake. Morality happens whilst society happens. good judgment happens the 1st time somebody has to think of his/her way out of a puzzle. [notwithstanding, interior the atheistic worldview, there must be no reason in the back of the following day being like the former day.] Wow, this fact is SO incorrect that I ought to ask: have been you born dense or have you ever been working in the direction of recently? The "atheist worldview" could be that without the supernatural, the universe ought to behave continuously. this is a few jackass god getting frisky that motives variability in organic regulations. in any different case there's no reason in the back of adjustments. [At one factor, you ought to assume what this is you try to instruct.] provided which you're bereft of any mind's eye and perception.

Answer 7

Morality is people telling others how to behave.
Integrity is doing what your heart tells you to do.

Answer 8

morality is misunderstood as connected to religion . it's more of a way of helping to further the human race .

Answer 9

I understand it as personal values and a code of behavior that guides one to live a life that harms no one and does not impinge upon others' rights and freedoms. It also leads people to help others when help is needed.

Answer 10

Rules of the road baby! We live we love we laugh we cry,from the time you hit the sheets it's a countdown to die!