Introduction to Morality
Morality can be defined as a coordinate system that defines society’s behavioral rules. Metaphorically speaking, it is a vision – when something is wrong, it stands out the most. The word comes from the Latin word moralis, meaning a manner or characteristic. One can note, for example, ethics, which has similar meanings, among the concepts synonymous with it.
Historical Context and Evolution
Historically, this phenomenon has undergone drastic changes with the development of numerous religious, political, and other movements. It was first raised based on religious background and became a separate study. The practical application of moral norms in everyday life helps society function adequately.
Use in Everyday Life
Nowadays, in addition to religion and philosophy, moral standards are also influenced by pop culture. Many people are guided by their idols in search of moral guidelines, and this influence does not always align with traditional moral norms, becoming a topic of discussion. Although the perception of morality has evolved, it continues to influence a person’s life choices in challenging situations.
Morality in Action
The primary function of morality is to regulate human behavior and consciousness in all spheres of social life without exception. Therefore, moral principles have a socially universal significance (Sacks, 2020). It means that they apply to all individuals, instilling in them that common and essential aspects comprise the culture of relationships and are rooted in the centuries-old experience of societal development.
For instance, it was traditionally considered polite to be respectful to older adults – this is an expression of morality. However, nowadays, treating everyone equally is promoted as morally acceptable behavior. Unlike simple customs, the norms of morality are not only supported by the force of an established and generally accepted order. Still, they receive ideological justification in general fixed commandments or principles about how to act (Sacks, 2020).
Subcategories, Synonyms, and Characteristics
Morality is divided into religious, social, and individual. The term is often confused with concepts such as justice, decency, or honor. Morality is not the law because the latter is officially introduced. However, the former has the following distinguishing characteristics:
- Based on personal perception of good and evil.
- Has an evaluating function.
- Not restricted to societal rules.
Fictional Example Illustrating Application of Morality
People often struggle with making moral decisions because their ideas may not align with socially acceptable ones. What if a person sometimes has to break their moral beliefs for survival?
For instance, a man named Michael has lost all of his possessions due to a fire that almost killed his family. Now he is homeless and has nowhere to live and nothing to eat. The government helps them, but they still require many resources. One day, he steals some products from the supermarket to feed his family. Stealing is considered socially and morally unacceptable, but Michael decided that, despite his moral views, he would do that for his family.
This fictional character goes against his moral principles regarding the acquisition of goods, but his family does not judge him. However, he felt it was wrong on the inside and decided to rectify the situation by restoring everything he had lost. Sometimes, people do ethically wrong things, but they cannot be neglected because there may be underlying reasons. Whenever one goes against themselves, they often realize the need to compensate for it later and create new goals regarding the foundation or restoration of justice. Hence, morality is a genuinely subjective concept applied to life choices.
Personal Experience
As for my life experience, I, like other people around me, try to be guided by the norms of morality. Choosing a solution can be challenging. In some situations in my childhood, I almost did terrible things because I was acutely aware of the contrast between the way my parents raised me and my immediate desires. However, as I grew older, I came to understand the boundaries of what is permitted better.
Conclusion
In conclusion, moral norms enable people to distinguish between good and evil and assess the consequences of their actions. Moral principles often depend on the society in which one lives and are built upon everlasting religious, political, and societal customs. However, sometimes, one questions morality due to life-changing events and has to break the norms to make new ones. There are no reasons to judge anyone solely because ethics are perceived differently.
Work Cited
Sacks, J. (2020). Morality: Restoring the common good in divided times. Hachette UK.