Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Where does our morality come from?
Morality is a tricky subject there are many answers as to where it comes from. Every person has their own set of morals that go with how they where raised and what they believe in. Joshua Greene tests peoples moral code with a simple test save five lives and kill one in the process or save one life and kill the other five. If I where to be placed in this situation my choice would be different than that of the person standing next to me. Morality comes from within yourself sure in my opinion it is influenced by how you grew up or your environment but it still comes from within you. Now whether we make moral choices is a completely different matter. Thinking back I probably could be told I didn't always make the best choices but everyone has their own moral compass that they follow. Maybe they find their morality in their religion or lack of religion in a way morality is something that we all have but is shown in different ways. When asked where does our morality come from there should be different answers, but in my opinion it comes from within yourself all you have to do is dig it out.
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I agree with your statement that everyone has their own moral compass that they follow. There may be a few universal ideas people share, but ultimately we construct this compass based on what we're surrounded with. Sometimes we even become judgmental of others moral decisions because we're too wrapped up in our own personal ideals of morality. Steven Pinker, author of The Moral Instinct, makes a compelling statement: "...recognition that the other guy is acting from moral rather than venal reasons can be a first patch of common ground." I believe that people just want to be understood by other people they come in contact with. This is a natural instinct for all. If we attempt to see situations from various points of view, we take a decent step towards increasing the good in the world. In some cases, like Hitler and the Holocaust, the act of killing a multitude of people because you feel so supportive and passionate about it isn't accepted as being right. However, no one attempted to see his perspective until after the damage was done. I'm not saying he was justified in any way, but how can we expect to progress if we won't work together to do so? We should be trying to increase the good done in the world through the way we communicate and understand each other. The chances of this happening are slim to none, but little harm can come from having a sense of connection with people you normally wouldn't connect with.
ReplyDeleteI agree that morality comes from within yourself. It all depends on the person's perspective weather something is morally right or wrong. The Trolley Problem is a perfect example. Some may think that pulling the lever is better by saving four people and killing one. Some people might disagree because then it will be their fault that the person died. The other option of throwing an innocent man and saving all five people is also logically right to some people and others wouldn't do it because they would be held responsible for his death and would have to deal with the guilt. In Greene's research he says that reasoning is more of a gut feeling than a logical one, therefore it comes from within the person, and everyone is different. If you are part of a group and you are bias to that group because they probably share your beliefs that you do. For example religion or political groups. Where ever your beliefs are that's the side you'll more likely lean towards. Morallity comes from what brings oneself happiness.
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