What is the source of morality?

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Kepler
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05 Sep 2007, 9:40 pm

A lot of things can be relative, especially social conventions... so what's important is considering what the most noble/divine thing to do would be and then to do it, regardless of what specific religion/philosophy you're taking direction from. Not that this is necessarily easy, though. In fact, I think it can be one of the hardest things to do. Of course, this assumes that inside each person is some kind of a divine "spark" and I'm not sure how true this assumption is necessarily; it's really something I take more on faith than anything else because to not believe it leads to some philosophical places I'd really prefer not to go. So, then, if there is no sort of contact with a "higher self"/deity/wahtever... I really have no idea where morality comes in.

monty
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05 Sep 2007, 9:55 pm

The law of karma is the ultimate source of morality ... what we do to others we do to ourselves. This was stated by Buddha and Jesus and most major religions in the golden rule or whatever they call it in their brand. Its in Wicca, its in Voudou.

Aridarr
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05 Sep 2007, 10:17 pm

It is worth remembering that morality is not confined to humanity.

To my knowledge, many social species are naturally inhibited against wanton violence towards one another.

For example, in a fight, a wolf will not attack another that has bared its throat in submission.

It is simply a natural mechanism that prevents animals in social groups from killing one another mercilessly.

Flagg
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05 Sep 2007, 10:24 pm

Aridarr wrote:

I agree that is how they began.

ahayes
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05 Sep 2007, 10:48 pm

what is this morality thing you speak of and how can I use it's power to crush my enemies?

The_Chosen_One
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06 Sep 2007, 1:13 am

I said conscience, but it's more common sense. You learn what's good and bad, and therefore what's moral or immoral/amoral; and then you apply common sense to it and if you know something is wrong, you don't commit that wrong.

Flagg: Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came.... - liked the first 3 Dark Towers, but got bogged down in Wizard & Glass.

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Pagans are people too, not just victims of a religious cleansing program. Universal harmony for all!!

Karma decides what must happen, and that includes everyone.

UncleBeer
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06 Sep 2007, 1:28 am

One of the wisest things ever written down is the Golden Rule (and not because of its religious origin, but simply because we all like to hope we'll be fairly treated): Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

All other laws and rules are merely extensions to this.

Flagg
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06 Sep 2007, 3:23 am

UncleBeer wrote:

What about lex talionis?

gwenevyn
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06 Sep 2007, 3:25 am

Flagg wrote:

What about lex talionis?

What about the first rule of Fight Club?

In seriousness, I think he meant "all moral rules". I wouldn't call the law of retribution a moral rule. It's an excuse for violence.

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Flagg
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06 Sep 2007, 3:36 am

gwenevyn wrote:

Flagg wrote:

What about lex talionis?

What about the first rule of Fight Club?

In seriousness, I think he meant "all moral rules". I wouldn't call the law of retribution a moral rule. It's an excuse for violence.

No, it was used in some moral codes of ancient societies and is still used by some religions as the norm in morality. I'm not saying it's right, it's only a moral you don't like.

UncleBeer
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06 Sep 2007, 3:53 am

Flagg wrote:

UncleBeer wrote:

What about lex talionis?

What about it?

calandale
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06 Sep 2007, 3:56 am

gwenevyn wrote:

Cyanide wrote:

I go by my own conscience. I have my own ideas about what is honorable and dishonorable.

If every man follows his own conscience, how can anyone trust anyone else?

Because our consciences are developed from the
society around us. Some issues are hardwired in
(like protecting one's brood), while others are
probably more a matter of learned behavior (not
lying, for example). Plus, one's own morality might
dictate terms of vengeance, through which the society
can protect itself, in extra-legal ways.

gwenevyn
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06 Sep 2007, 3:56 am

Flagg wrote:

gwenevyn wrote:

Flagg wrote:

What about lex talionis?

What about the first rule of Fight Club?

In seriousness, I think he meant "all moral rules". I wouldn't call the law of retribution a moral rule. It's an excuse for violence.

No, it was used in some moral codes of ancient societies and is still used by some religions as the norm in morality. I'm not saying it's right, it's only a moral you don't like.

I guess. It's just that I think of morals as being rules to protect, not to harm.

I wouldn't, for example, call the death penalty a moral rule.

Probably not a good definition though. I'm fading rapidly, it being 2 am and all.

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calandale
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06 Sep 2007, 3:57 am

gwenevyn wrote:

Flagg wrote:

What about lex talionis?

What about the first rule of Fight Club?

In seriousness, I think he meant "all moral rules". I wouldn't call the law of retribution a moral rule. It's an excuse for violence.

No, it clearly IS a moral rule
for some. One doesn't just want
to commit violence, without harm
being inflicted first (well most don't).

The great crime families just had
their own set of mores.

gwenevyn
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06 Sep 2007, 4:15 am

calandale wrote:

One doesn't just want
to commit violence, without harm
being inflicted first (well most don't).

That's no small exception. With "eye for an eye" all it takes is one sociopath to get a snowball effect rolling along.

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calandale
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06 Sep 2007, 4:20 am

gwenevyn wrote:

calandale wrote:

One doesn't just want
to commit violence, without harm
being inflicted first (well most don't).

That's no small exception. With "eye for an eye" all it takes is one sociopath to get a snowball effect rolling along.

Worked fine in smaller societies,
and is still necessary, for things that
the law can't handle.

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