Is there really such a thing as right and wrong?

Question

Or is it just perception?

Answer 1

I would think there are such things as right and wrong. Just like there really are such things as truth, and Truth, there are things such as rights, and Rights, as in Civil Rights that redress Civil Wrongs. These things are self-evident. (just like; self, and Self)

Answer 2

Even if you don't take into account the Bible and it's mandates for behavior, there is absolutely right and wrong.
It is not a perception.
If it were a perception I could decide that I believe the rape of a 3-year-old is a good thing to do. I could decide that was the lifestyle for me, but nothing ever makes the rape of a child an ok thing to do.

Anybody can arbitrarily say that right and wrong are just perceptions, but have your house broken into and your family killed and you will change your mind very quickly!

Answer 3

Under Rawls' system, evaluation of right and wrong is made in terms of the equal liberty principle; fair equality of opportunity principle (positions in society be open to all); difference principle (rules should benefit the most disadvantaged).

When prioritizing this difference, pay attention to equal opportunity and the difference principle. Choose best possible action using the device of the "veil of ignorance" to remove partiality.

Anyway, I am a devout Christian, however I do believe in using my mind to come to a logical conclusion. I have studied both Bible and cognitive science, sociology and the like, a Jack of all Master of none.

I still think that most beliefs of right and wrong stem from that of Christianity, however the secular world will disagree and might find the above reference to Rawl's system more of an acceptable truth. Anyway.

Answer 4

In today's society there is no clear line of what is right and wrong. I can be said it is what ever the majority and some cases the minority rules says. We have lost our way on this. instead of a narrow road leading to definite conclusions we have accepted a wide more vague path. Ethics and morality have become one. In Greek Ethics means what is and morals means what ought to be. Just because society decides something is ethical . Does not mean it is moral.

Answer 5

Some "right" and some "wrong" can be defined as perceived. I believe that basic morals, excellently defined in the ten commandments and others like it, are the basis for defining right and wrong. Your perception has to come from your own defined experiences, and I think that most, if not all, humans will define "right" and "wrong" based on these commandments.

Answer 6

It's not purely perception.A wrong or a right is as compared to a bench-mark,which is mutually decided by a group,society or an organization etc.There after all acts are judged against that bench mark and categorized as right or wrong.That's why what's right or wrong,keeps changing with time,place and social norms.

Answer 7

Those who think there's no "right" and "wrong" - that it's only perception - would readily admit that it's wrong for someone to steal $100 from them.

Answer 8

No. Any good lawyer will tell you there is not such thing as right or wrong.

Answer 9

Christianity aside, there is definitely right and wrong. If you were sitting in the library reading a book and some stranger comes in and blows your head off, that is wrong and there is no circumstance under which it would be right. If you murder a child, it is wrong and there is no circumstance under which it would be right. If you spread lies about someone knowing that they are lies, that is wrong and there is no circumstance under which it is right, etc.

Answer 10

Right or wrong is a better question. Right is doing the best we can do and wrong is hurting others for our own narcissistic selves. God gave us the way to be right, forgiving,loving and just.