what a philospher means by saying morality is a rational activity?

Answer 1

trying to do the right thing takes thought

Answer 2

By consistently turning everything on its head I realised by age 12 that morality was ultimately self-enforcing, and therefor "made sense". It was therefor rational, and for rational beings it did not require superstition or external force to police it. That began my Anarchist phase! But I soon realised that not all humans are rational, or even capable of rational, reasoned thought - not only because they were used to external crutches and policemen, but because we are basically clever, rather than wise, monkeys. From observation and reason we can see we are simply a part of an interconnected and interdependent but closed system in all situations - from family to society to global. So, being ultimately interdependent, no part of such a system can dominate for exclusive personal benefit without regard for all other parts, because the cost (e.g. loss of affection from other family members; and now climate change) will eventually rebound. I suppose it's the old "do unto others" in an expanded form - but the point is that it can be arrived at by reason, and therefor morality is a rational activity. It's a pity about people, though! Because then there's George Shrub, and the irrational Armageddonists so burdened by their sense of unspecific guilt and "sin" they want to see everyone punished. Ho hum.

Answer 3

For starters - it means that the philosopher is wrong.

What he or she is saying is that morality is something that people must think about... that they must give out to other people as "rationale".

It means that morality is subjective. What might be "moral" to you will be different for others... (which is true - but not always.)

All things rational take place in the head and not in the heart.
The philosopher would be suggesting that right and wrong are legislated by people like the government or religious leaders...

It negates the idea that morals come from within... it denounces the idea that we all basicly know right from wrong without even thinking about it.

"Thall Shalt Not Kill" is a moral that is taught in every religion... so it actually stands to reason that the moral would still be there even if people were not taught these words... they would just know that killing is wrong...

Your philosopher seems to believe that people must be told what is right and wrong and then think about it - or worse yet - that killing is NOT wrong if you can think of a good enough reason - the act of "rationalizing".

Answer 4

On the whole I would say ordinary morality equates with respectability. Mores are norms of behaviour. In this sense morality is not rational, it is based on a prejudice. The Marquis de Sade is deemed immoral because he expresses extreme sexual views.
However, the term morality has developed another meaning, striving for a higher standard of behaviour towards one's fellows. This ideal standard of behaviour is arrived at by reason and feeling not by reason alone.

Answer 5

The philosopher is saying that to be a moral person (to do what is good) we have to act rationally. That is...we think about our actions and reason should guide us to do what is moral and right.

Answer 6

well morality isn't something we all practice all the time so what he is saying being a moral person is a practice or something to do or be ergo a rational activity in dodge ball is dodgeing the ball hope that helps

Answer 7

I would say morality is a prduct of the human mind. So it it is inherently a rational activity.

Answer 8

possibly it is the same decision as to conform to the status quo or seperate yourself from that such society