When we think about the right way to act, should we think about what rules we ought to follow or should we think about what virtues we want to live out? Why?
2007-11-27 15:33:11 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Deciding what virtues we wish to incorporate is maybe the single most important aspect of constructing a moral code. What is even more important is how we decide to behave as a result of these moral 'ingredients' we have chosen. It is a tricky balance to achieve when choosing between those elements that we wish to incorporate into our moral structure, deciding how to best portray those elements, and weighing that against the restrictions of society and its laws.
[add] One approach would be to start from the most basic aspects of behavior and work outward from there. Starting from such aspects as establishing basic rules of duty, and responsibility, and moving outward into more subtle aspects like situational behaviors.
2007-11-27 15:49:37 · answer #1 · answered by Gee Whizdom™ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If we get to decide which virtues we ought to have and which to apply and when to apply them, then we're basing our morality on our own desire to influence an outcome.
If we get to make the rules, then the game is rigged.
Morality has to be based upon a higher authority than ourselves or else morality is a joke/farce. That higher authority can only be God. If God exists, then morality can exist.
One answer above me says, "...establishing basic rules of duty, and responsibility..." But if we have no moral authority over us. then we have no real responsibility and no duty. Those things are either already established, i.e. God, or we're deluding ourselves.
2007-11-27 21:43:15 · answer #2 · answered by Matthew T 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always take the high road, the way where people have tread before so it is well lighted, and there are less dangers along the way.
2007-11-27 15:41:55 · answer #3 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Base yourself on the existing norms within your society, culture, tradition and religion, and do not look for universal principles like Kant suggests.
2007-11-27 15:45:43 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Girishkumar TS 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds trite and cliched, but the old "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is still an excellent guide to morals and behavior.
2007-11-27 15:40:52 · answer #5 · answered by Jolly 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
On God's Word.Man changes and imagines vain things.
2007-11-27 17:27:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
virtues, live yor life you way, but not a way where you break the rules. =]
what is today but yesterdays tommorow =]
2007-11-27 15:39:01 · answer #7 · answered by angelo t 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think we should think about how our actions will make other people feel, since people have feelings universally.
2007-11-27 15:39:50 · answer #8 · answered by miki 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋