Theories of morality
The question of how best to lead a moral life, and how the word “morality” can be best defined, is one of the foundational questions of philosophy. Moral philosophers (or Ethicists) have, over the years, formulated numerous theories designed to help people make the best moral decisions. Our essay helper will help you to analyze these theories their conflict and basic differences. Would be essential for those who want to study moral philosophy.
The team of professionals recently conducted a research for essay order concluded some similarities among different theories .In brief, the theory proposes that several innate and universally available psychological systems are the foundations of “intuitive ethics.” Each culture then constructs virtues, narratives, and institutions on top of these foundations, thereby creating the unique moralities we see around the world, and conflicting within nations too.
Through the ages, there have emerged multiple common moral theories and traditions. Team of professional essay writers will cover briefly below with explanations and how they differ.
Theories of Morality
Every person is given the right and freedom to choose what is right over evil deeds. Such freedom is designed with the idea that we may be free to choose our actions and yet we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions. With that, there are many theories that govern moral behaviour. As we know, morality talks about a system of behaviour with respect to standards of right or wrong behaviour (“Morality by Design”, 2008, p. 1). The standard of what is right and wrong is inherent in every mankind but was also manifested by religious, political and social set of norms as well as laws of the land. In connection with that, the word behaviour carries with three theories that are worthy to be mentioned. These concepts are moral standards with respect to behaviour, moral responsibility which refers to our conscience and moral identity or the capability of an individual to do right or wrong in the society. The moral standards that we should follow while we are living are necessary to correct our behaviours. This is true all the time since there is no doubt those men tend to do the wrong things for whatever motives they could project. However, the innate conscience of men had given them the moral responsibility to do what is right and proper. One’s conscience is a very strong influence to do right since it is built-in in an individual’s being. Thus, a person knows that in event his actions would turn out to be against his conscience, and then he would be responsible for its consequences. As such, it is on the province of man to govern his actions based on moral standards and responsibility. The moral standards that we should keep are also related to concepts of ethics, principles, goodness and virtue (“Morality by Design”, 2008, p. 1). Lastly, a renowned thinker, scholar and author named C.S. Lewis defines moral standards as to guarantee fair play and harmony among individuals, to assist make us good people in order to have a fine society, and to remain us in a good connection with the authority that created us (“Morality by Design”, 2008, p. 1). Hence, based on this definition, it is certain that our beliefs are critical to our moral behaviour (“Morality by Design”, 2008, p. 1).
The next question would be: how are the theories of ethical behaviour similar and dissimilar? In this aspect, we are touching the basic foundation of moral behaviour. Basically, all concepts of ethical behaviour are just the same since it goes to only one goal and that is to maintain goodness in men. The dissimilarities of ethical behaviour only happens when gender issues are involved and when different beliefs are exercised but purposely done to reach the level of righteousness. For example, women behave differently against men when it comes to the idea of marriage. Women generally wanted to keep themselves within the bonds of matrimony at all costs while men in general sometimes allow themselves to be tempted by other women. Aside from that, different religious beliefs exercise their faith in different ways but with one purpose and that is to do the will of God. Aside from the fact that theorists and scholars view differently the concepts of ethical behaviour, they also come from different backgrounds such that each of their contributions in the discipline of ethics is varied and different. However, if we examine all the theories and concepts they present, moral theorists all believe that doing right gives peace and harmony in the society. The concepts of ethical behaviour also developed as time goes by and much additional knowledge on the subject are formed and discussed. Hence, the similarities and dissimilarities of the concepts on ethical behaviour are shaped by the time it was developed, by different religious beliefs and by gender issues in the society that needs our attention.
The third question relating to the topic is that: what theory comes closest to the way that you comport yourself as a moral being? As a human being, my actions are always anchored on my moral responsibility despite the fact that I am not perfect. For me, I am very much affected on the way men and women value their roles in the society thus exercising their freedom to do what is right or wrong is being abused. That is the main reason why I like the concept of Carol Gilligan on the morality of care. Men provide care differently than women and it is my hope that despite the differences, the purposes can still be reached. In Gilligan’s view, she said that the morality of caring and responsibility is premised in nonviolence, while the morality of justice and rights is based on equality (Nucci, 2002, p. 1). In that sense, women are not really inclined to do physical punishment when someone does something bad, yet men usually resort to violence in that case. While this gender debate is unresolved, Gilligan’s work has contributed to an improved knowledge that care is an integral component of moral reasoning (Nucci, 2002, p. 1). I am very much agreeable on the idea that men and women should both value the act of caring through the imposition of sanctions in a justifiable manner. In order to care for other persons, violence should be shunned and forgotten. All persons should be treated equally since we are always consumed of doing anything for the sake of justice and human rights. For me, the only solution to end human strife and unethical behaviours is to impose the act of caring as the basic ingredients of peace and harmony whatever may be the consequences. There may laws that punish a murderer yet care for the same must always be done prior to any execution in retribution of the wrong done.
As conclusion, it is always true that our conscience is what matters most in times that we decide to do something. Our moral responsibility rests on our ability to choose what is right and wrong. No matter how different our gender may be and how remote our religious beliefs, as long as our purpose is to gain peace and harmony, we are on the right tract in achieving moral and ethical standards. Our moral behaviour must be based on right and reason as to make sure that we do not harm other people. We must also remember that we may have the right to do what is right or wrong but the consequences of our actions are beyond our reach. Therefore, we must govern ourselves in accordance with our conscience and our willingness to impose justice, human rights and equality. After all, the ends of moral and ethical behaviour are the implementation of the aforementioned concepts for the improvement of mankind. As such, if moral and ethical behaviour are being followed, we can unanimously benefit on that and live peacefully in the community where we rightfully belong.
References:
All About Philosophy Website. (2008). Morality by Design. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/morality.htm.
Nucci, L. Tigger Website. (15 February 2002). Moral Development and Moral Education: An Overview. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from
http://tigger.uic.edu/~lnucci/MoralEd/overview.html.
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