What is the basis of Morality?

B

Bishadi

Banned
Banned
this might be a fun subject.

What is the basis of Morality?

from religions to the sciences; where is the footing based from.

•concern with the distinction between good and evil or right and wrong; right or good conduct

•Morality (from the Latin moralitas "manner, character, proper behavior") has three principal meanings.

•Śīla (Sanskrit) or sīla (Pāli) is usually rendered into English as "virtue"; other translations include "good conduct," "morality" "moral discipline." and "precept." It is an action that is an intentional effort
 
I think morality began with the first group of humans on the African plains. There had to be some rules or they couldn't have lived and worked together. Thus, the beginnings of human morality and ethics.

And contrary to what many might think, I'm sure that it was the stronger, more powerful member of the group that set and enforced those rules. And that's the way it's been ever since ....the most powerful force the others to conform to the rules.

Of course, since there were now rules, it was also the beginnings of human lies ...denying that they broke the rules!

Baron Max
 
The basis of morality is desire, and the obstacles to its satisfaction.
 
Baron Max said:
Please explain that a little further.

Baron Max
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Take what I said, and place it in the context that you've already mentioned above. Individual desires often come into conflict with the desires of others', as well as the desires of one's societal group (as you mentioned). Thus, the societal organization had to arrange some sort of structure to determine the prioritization of the satisfaction of desire. Voila, morality.
 
glaucon said:
Take what I said, and place it in the context that you've already mentioned above. Individual desires often come into conflict with the desires of others', as well as the desires of one's societal group (as you mentioned). Thus, the societal organization had to arrange some sort of structure to determine the prioritization of the satisfaction of desire. Voila, morality.
Click to expand...

Ahhhhhh, yes!! I didn't make the connection. But you're right ...a powerful person can just force others to do what he desires. Which is, of course, the basis of morality.

Baron Max
 
swarm said:
People's opinions.
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All people? A few people? The majority of people? The strongest people? The people with the biggest guns?

Which "people" are you talking about. I do think that you're "right", but you have to be more specific that just "people".

Baron Max
 
A couple ways of looking at it

At present, most morality is arbitrary or aesthetic. Some (myself included) would assert that there is a—theoretical, at least—objective basis for morality that humanity has yet to learn.
 
It's at least partially biological. Most mammals have a naturally occuring aversion to harming others mammals of the same species. While territorial type killings do occur, mammals of the same species generally succeed through living alongside one another and cooperating. Strength in numbers, and stuff.
 
The basis of morality, and what is moral, is a need for co-operation and survival.

The human situation is especially unique, however, because our intellects allow us to interpret and think.

All morals are primarily concerned with benefit, whether they be Islamic, humanist, LaVeyan, Christian, Nazi, etc

All of them share one tenet: that which is beneficial is good.

The point is, what is beneficial? This is where people will disagree; some, like the Nazis, might feel it is beneficial, in the interest of national purity, to 'get rid of those bad elements that thus do not belong to us' (Hitler)

Nobody is "right" or "wrong" objectively, as interpretation plays a massive role and so morals are very relative, even while sharing the one tenet of 'that which is beneficial is good'
 
Truth is the essential element of all morality. To quote a line from one of my favorite books: "Respect for the truth is the basis of all morality. Something cannot emerge from nothing."

~String
 
adherence to the 4 principles seems a dam good way to start

Benevolence (act to cause a benefit)
non-maleficence (do no harm)
Justice (as in social justice, ie all people are equal)
autonomy (all people have the right to self determination)
 
superstring01 said:
Truth is the essential element of all morality. To quote a line from one of my favorite books: "Respect for the truth is the basis of all morality. Something cannot emerge from nothing."

~String
Click to expand...

Like most "sayings", that's cute. But it means virtually nothing. "Truth" varies according to various viewpoints, so "truth" is not aways the same to the unbiased observer/investigator.

So ...basing something subjective on something else that's also subjective seems to be poor thing to do right from the start.

Look at it this way, guys; If you were the ruler of the world, wouldn't you change or create morality (and rules, laws, etc) based on your own ideals? And, think hard now, are your ideals exactly the same as everyone else's?

Baron Max
 
Asguard said:
adherence to the 4 principles seems a dam good way to start

Benevolence (act to cause a benefit)
non-maleficence (do no harm)
Justice (as in social justice, ie all people are equal)
autonomy (all people have the right to self determination)
Click to expand...

Benevolence? But that varies according to one's own emotional attachment. I.e., you'd treat your mother or your family better than you'd treat total strangers on the other side of the world.

Do no harm? What if they were trying to do harm to your or your family?

Justice? Again, those closest to your would have your greatest sympathies ...and certainly over and above some stranger in a farway land on the other side of the world.

Autonomy? So ...just let people do whatever the fuck they want? And just remember now, if you come back with "...as long as they don't hurt anyone else." ....then it's NOT autonomy!! You're making rules or laws to control their actions. That ain't autonomy.

Baron Max
 
Asguard said:
adherence to the 4 principles seems a dam good way to start

Benevolence (act to cause a benefit)
Click to expand...
People disagree on what a benefit is

non-maleficence (do no harm)
Click to expand...
People might find it justified or necessary

Justice (as in social justice, ie all people are equal)
autonomy (all people have the right to self determination)
Click to expand...
Good job at contradicing yourself

So, force everyone to be equal, but then they're autonomous? Nice.
 
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