2006-10-27 06:12:23 · 15 answers · asked by A1bear 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
A set of rules defines the appropriate standards set by a particular society.
Morality is your own personal code of conduct that drives what you do and why you do it. Not so much thinking about the consequences, but doing things despite them (e.g., a fireman trying to put out a fire risks his life to save a building and maybe someone else's lives).
Love the avatar!
2006-10-27 06:17:27 · answer #1 · answered by TheSlayor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it should be about thinking about the consequences. Most importantly, the effect your actions will have on others.
ie I beleive its "immoral" to have an affair outside marriage or a committed relationship because of the pain it causes to your partner, your children etc. Its "immoral" to steal because of the trauma it can cause to someone who has a treasured possession stolen or their house broken into.
I hate the idea of it being a "set of rules" - ie a list of "You shalt nots" and anyone who breaks one of these rules being considered an outcast.
Thats a very old fashioned and anachronistic way of looking at it - comes from the days when you could be arrested for being gay or sent to a mental asylum as a "moral degenerate" for having a child out of marriage.
Sadly some of the Americans on this site seem to still think that way. Glad I live in the UK really.
2006-10-27 08:17:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Morality' is defined as:
"principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong, or good and bad behaviour".
It also refers to a "principles of conduct" and "system of values", and "the extent to which an action (as defined by a given set of principles and values) is right or wrong".
The aspect of consequences only enters into it when these moral principles and values are transgressed. They are the sanction society places on wrong-doing and bad behaviour and are a widely understood and accepted part of the culture and society in which you live.
In answer to your question, 'morality' is the system of beliefs and values that helps you distinguish right from wrong, and guides your behaviour. It is therefore about 'obeying a set of rules', as you put it, and not about 'thinking about the consequences'. 'Morality' should be, although it often is not, a key part of your personal character and not even need thinking about.
2006-10-27 06:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by DBG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thinking about the consequences is all good and fine. Understanding the extent of those consequences is better. Obedience is usually a sign of that understanding.
Morality is a choice to obey rules that protect you from undesirable consequences.
2006-10-27 06:16:07 · answer #4 · answered by Answergirl 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The consequences and their implications are the bases for morals, which vary according to circumstances. Violence for example is immoral in an abstract sense, but if a violent act is countered by a violent act intent on saving life, then the latter is morally sound. Hence it is a form of intuitive wisdom!
2006-10-27 06:21:14 · answer #5 · answered by namazanyc 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Morality is conforming to what the majority think is right...so in a way it's about obeying a set of rules...which are the simple unwritten rules of life in the eyes of a law abiding, sane and "normal" person.
2006-10-27 06:16:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anon 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ethics are generally concerned with rules e.g the gscc code of ethics, cosequentialism is about tallying up the good and bad consequences to see which one is more favourable- this comes from the utilitarian principle- the greatest good to the greatest number.
A deontological theory does not weigh up cosequences e.g Kants theory.
2006-10-27 06:18:00 · answer #7 · answered by b.hole 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Morality is a collection of human interactions and their consequences passed down from generation to generation.
2006-10-27 06:15:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thinking about the consequesnces and other people. There is nothing moral about the law - some people do awful things and seem to get really short sentences as punishment. An ex offender can commit a crime again and again even if he/she has been to prison. They have no morals.
2006-10-27 06:14:49 · answer #9 · answered by Katie G 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
depends whose morals you're on about.. some people have morals of a gutter snipe some have none at all.. now if it's your folks moral s and family morals then it's a whole different matter.. whats the biggest saying now To hell with it..
2006-10-27 06:18:35 · answer #10 · answered by . 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋