What determines your moral and ethical framework?

Question

Slightly off-topic, I know, but with the death of Robert Jordan on Sunday, and of David Gemmel just over a year ago, I found myself pondering just how much authors of fiction have shaped my moral and ethical framework. I often refer to the commandment "Judge not, lest ye be judged" from the bible, for example, but really, my belief in not judging was really much more strongly informed by the often ambiguous characters David Gemmel created for his stories.

So the question (FINALLY!) is:

How has your own moral framework evolved? If religious, is it entirely determined by that, and if not, what then are the main influences? Literature? Philosophy? Tradition? Comic-Books?! And perhaps more importantly, do you accept or reject a moral framework as a whole, or do you tend to pick-and-choose what you believe?

Answer 1

Undoubtably my ethical framework has been influenced by many sources. My culture, family, books, film, some religious teachings (even if I think they are human rather than supernatural ideas), philosophy, experience, etc... I am no deep philosopher but I have a naturalistic outlook. For me its consequences and asking oneself how you would like to be treated and what sort of world you want to live in and leave for your kids. Most of the basic ethical teachings of the world can be derived just from thinking through the consequences of the acts. For example, cheating may benefit you in the short term but what kind of world results if everyone takes that approach and what will your children learn about you and the world. If something is only considered unethical though because it is dictated through a religion than I don't see it as a relevant concern. I have no problems with others having a different sexual orientation and although sexuality requires sexual ethics for me a situation of unmarried people deciding to have a sexual relationship is not in itself any ethical violation to me. I'm with you on the not judging where the individual is not harming or infringing others in their own choices. For me it would be unethical to impede the freedom of someone else that wasn't not restricting my own or harming others since I value my own freedoms so highly.

Although it may appear to some that I have picked and chosen some "rules" to follow or reject, I feel that I have some criteria or guidelines for my positions. I will accept that there is subjectivity to my moral framework in situations. I think this is normal though and even those who claim moral absolutes recognize this. For example, most would say telling a lie is wrong. Is it always wrong though? What about the case of the SS agent looking for a Jewish family you know is hiding in a warehouse down the street? It seems to me the moral thing to do there is lie. Even Christians' commandment not to kill which seems like a pretty strong directive gets broken down into the the distinction between murder and justified killing in the case of war or the death penalty.

Answer 2

I was a philosophy major in college, and specialized in ethics. So I guess that's what shaped my moral framework. I've been filling in the details ever since, but in college I came to the conclusion that what I believe in is enlightened self-interest. That is, self-interest that recognizes the value of cooperation with others for our mutual benefit, of compassion for others under the Golden Rule (a very basic principle, after all) and the importance of self-respect.

A major influence now is my membership in the Ethical Society of St. Louis.

Answer 3

Is that darling kitten yours? This, by the way, is a splendid series of questions. My moral and ethical framework has evolved from applying the entire system of the spiritual and social teachings of Baha'u'llah. I have found them so transformative, so efficacious that words defy the experience. It can be summed up as: the object of life to a Baha'i is to promote the oneness of mankind. The whole object of our lives is bound up with the lives of all human beings: not a personal salvation we are seeking, but a universal one.

We are not to cast eyes within ourselves and say "Now get busy saving your soul and reserving a comfortable berth in the Next World!" No, we are to get busy on bringing Heaven to the Planet.

That is a very big concept. Our aim is to produce a world civilization which will in turn react on the character of the individual. Such is my whole existence, my profound joy. It permeates everything I think and do, and I am profoundly grateful to have found it at age 21 in the most outrageously ironic of places, in a defense contractor's office in a book owned by a man I wasn't particularly impressed with.

Answer 4

My conscience, as defined and shaped by the Holy Spirit. The only thing that can shape one morally is the Holy Spirit living inside of them. Our conscience, I would argue (which everyone has, but may suppress), is what tells us what is right and wrong. However, it's not until we admit that we're a sinner and repent of our sins will we receive the Holy Spirit's guidance in our morality. So my morality has "evolved" due to the Holy Spirit working in me.

The Bible also lays the groundwork for what is and isn't a sin. It's important to read and understand the Bible, too. All in all, I think everyone knows a general sense of right and wrong, but that only comes from a God-given conscience. That's why it is universally accepted that killing, stealing and lying are bad. Humans make up that 'universal' ideal, and we all have the same basic concept. However, to stay out of sin and be transformed to a lifestyle without sin, one needs to repent and put their faith in Jesus.

Answer 5

in case you knew something approximately God you will possibly comprehend that justice and righteousness are area of His character. Holiness is justice plus righteousness. If His righteousness sees some thing incorrect His justice condemns it. If His righteousness sees some thing perfect His justice blesses it. because of the fact God is appropriate His righteousness and justice are additionally suitable. His framework is in accordance with His own suitable justice and righteousness. the ten Commandments have been basically for a rustic to apply to line up with the regulations of divine organization. If a rustic follows those regulations then it will be blessed. If it would not it will be cursed.

Answer 6

For me it was more of the family upbringing I received which was based on religious values. As I grew up my friends and education changed my long held values.

Answer 7

I think it depends