In a discussion with an anonymous online personality I was asked what is morality. More specifically what moral values should we use to guide our nation. My immediate response was, those traditional values of the United States of America. It was then that I was again asked for a further definition. I have given that some thought.
Morals are a result of basic human emotions. These emotions are the values we cherish such as, fairness, kindness and responsibility. In a larger sense, I would say morality cannot be defined, it must be lived. Our morals, or values if you wish to label it that way, are taught to us. Generally we follow the moral values of the society in which we live. We may question those values, we may even feel discomfort with those values, but we do find it difficult to reject those values. Our ability to empathize controls the acceptance or rejection of a moral precept. The closer you can empathize with a behavior, the more likely you are to adopt that behavior. It is the inability to empathize that causes unrest. Our failure to understand. Man is naturally afraid of those things he can not understand.
I do not think that understanding necessarily brings about acceptance. Understanding can remove the fear. Understanding something, the ability to empathize with it, does not make it correct. The behavior may very well remain immoral in our judgement. Moral values, proper behaviors in a society, are delineated by that society. What becomes acceptable will be passed to the next generation as moral. A look back through history and societal norms and that becomes evident immediately. Inequalities and perceived injustices of the past serve as reminders only. Each generation must define its' own moral compass.
It is also true that each generation feels a bit of uneasiness with these changes in values. What was scandalous forty years ago is now mainstream. Doesn't make it right, just accepted by society. I believe morals and values are in place to guide us. I get my values from my parents,associates,life experiences and most importantly my Bible.
Returning to the question of what morals this country should be using I have reached this conclusion. If we adopt a policy of everything is alright as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, or that it generates a significant amount of tax revenue, society will break down. We can not operate under a system of " unbridled self interest. " Everything isn't alright. There are consequences. Morality and values do not become antiquated. I suggest a return to those values cherished by our fathers and forefathers. They were the values that established this nation and those values have worked fairly well, don't you think ?
Morals are a result of basic human emotions. These emotions are the values we cherish such as, fairness, kindness and responsibility. In a larger sense, I would say morality cannot be defined, it must be lived. Our morals, or values if you wish to label it that way, are taught to us. Generally we follow the moral values of the society in which we live. We may question those values, we may even feel discomfort with those values, but we do find it difficult to reject those values. Our ability to empathize controls the acceptance or rejection of a moral precept. The closer you can empathize with a behavior, the more likely you are to adopt that behavior. It is the inability to empathize that causes unrest. Our failure to understand. Man is naturally afraid of those things he can not understand.
I do not think that understanding necessarily brings about acceptance. Understanding can remove the fear. Understanding something, the ability to empathize with it, does not make it correct. The behavior may very well remain immoral in our judgement. Moral values, proper behaviors in a society, are delineated by that society. What becomes acceptable will be passed to the next generation as moral. A look back through history and societal norms and that becomes evident immediately. Inequalities and perceived injustices of the past serve as reminders only. Each generation must define its' own moral compass.
It is also true that each generation feels a bit of uneasiness with these changes in values. What was scandalous forty years ago is now mainstream. Doesn't make it right, just accepted by society. I believe morals and values are in place to guide us. I get my values from my parents,associates,life experiences and most importantly my Bible.
Returning to the question of what morals this country should be using I have reached this conclusion. If we adopt a policy of everything is alright as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, or that it generates a significant amount of tax revenue, society will break down. We can not operate under a system of " unbridled self interest. " Everything isn't alright. There are consequences. Morality and values do not become antiquated. I suggest a return to those values cherished by our fathers and forefathers. They were the values that established this nation and those values have worked fairly well, don't you think ?
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