What does MORAL mean to you and do you think it changes in different cultures?

Answer 1

There are two different kinds of Morality; Objective and Subjective.

Objective morality are matters which have consistant, predictible positive or negative consequences regardless of the personal beliefs or intentions of the persons involved.
Examples - theft, rape, murder, fraud...

Subjective moralities are those actions where the positive or negative outcomes depend mostly on the beliefs of the actors, or if the actors engage is such activity in an irresponsible manner. The same action can have either result, depending on how you feel about it or conduct yourself.
Examples - premarital/homosexual sex, mild drug/alcohol consumption, observances of rituals, eating only kosher foods...

Objective moralities are universal and rarely change from one culture to another. It is typically the Subjective morality that changes.

A notable exception: Discrimination against others based on gender or race can be arguably an Objective morality, but tends to vary drastically from one culture to another.

Answer 2

Moral character does the right thing for the right reason. Moral character does not act out of fear of punishment nor out of hope for reward. And the good feelings that one gets from real or imagined praise are rewards.

Moral behavior is therefore not the same at all as being moral. Anyone (or even animals) can be trained in acceptable behavior. Societal training institutes a form of slavery to our feelings.

Moral character has to be based upon a higher moral authority, an authority to Whom we have an obligation. Otherwise, if we make the rules and judge ourselves, we will always pass our own test. I've read that even criminals planning their next crime think themselves to be basically good.

Answer 3

Morality does change, yes. But not ethicics.

Morality is a social construct. We are socialized as children to accept some behaviors as moral and others as immoral. These behaviors can change from culture to culture. (Though there are usually some similarities such as don't kill or steal, etc.) They are a result of our upbringing, not of some internal guidance.

And the ability to form morality is a function of our survival instincts and our higher cognitive abilities. Our imagination allows us to see what others feel, and thus a conscience is born. Arguably, morality isn't only a human construct, since many group animals can be seen to demonstrate moral behavior in order to increase the survival of their herd or pack.

Answer 4

Morals are written into the heart of every human being it's called a conscience. Some ppl refuse to listen to it and almost kill it though, so i think it differs more from person to person than from culture to culture.

Answer 5

To me "moral" means the customs, traditions, mannerism, and values taught to use by our Ancestors and relatives. I think it certainly does change in different cultures but I believe that most ethnic cultures were taught to respect Mother Earth. And when I say ethnic cultures I mean culture groups such as Native American Indian, African, Hispanic, Arabic etc.

Answer 6

I am a Christian, but I believe in the universality of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths. I believe that it is moral to be able to cope with our own sufferings (lust, anger, worry, fear, greed, envy, etc.), not to cause suffering in others (lust, anger, worry, fear, greed, envy, etc.) and to help alleviate suffering in others.(lust, anger, worry, fear,greed, envy, etc.). Morality is to abide in these. The Golden Rule of Christianity has the same essence.

Answer 7

common sense good behavior towards others.yes,one cultures morals may be anothers immorals