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But, dont you think that we all have a Moral Law (Code) written on our hearts to be used as a barometer for determining what is right from wrong ... then choosing that which is right to do ? It would seem that alot of things in society are actually dependent on such an intrinsic Moral Code existing .
I don't think that there is such a thing as a universal moral code that resides somewhere deep in our DNA. Societies create their own moral codes, and those codes differ among societies. What may be right for one is not necessarily right for another, and may in fact be diametrically the opposite. Compare some of the things that are seen morally right in other parts of the world that we find to be completely unreasonable. No common universal code going on there.
Morality is something that even changes over time within a society. One example, at one time slavery was considered acceptable and within the moral framework of our society, and then it was banished. Morality is an evolving thing.
Trimac20...We have definitely become a society of "followers." I think about this when I watch commercials on TV. Corporations know how to manipulate us through our "good versus bad" beliefs..A "good mother" and "good wife" will rush out and buy all the latest products to keep her home "pure" and "germ-free" and "squeaky-clean" for her family at all times...A "good husband" will rush-out and buy his wife a "diamond something" for their anniversary or her birthday or Valentine's Day etc...I studied and sold and designed advertising so I know about all of the "baloney" and "hype" and how we get manipulated through our "good versus bad" beliefs...How far will we go to avoid being labeled "bad?" Or supposedly "dumb" or "lazy" or "uncaring" etc.? Will we "say yes" to things we "don't want" and give-up what we "do want" to avoid being stigmatized or ostracized?..Will we go into debt and buy, buy, buy and "upgrade" day and night just to "look good" on our "outside?"...I don't want to be manipulated by corporations or politicians or religious leaders. I don't want to be a "puppet" or "pawn" or "putty" in someone else's "hands."...I examine each situation that comes up in my life and decide for myself what might be the "best course of action." Sometimes I make "wise choices" and sometimes I make mistakes! I'm human! But thankfully humans have the ability to learn from their mistakes in life.
I don't think that there is such a thing as a universal moral code that resides somewhere deep in our DNA. Societies create their own moral codes, and those codes differ among societies. What may be right for one is not necessarily right for another, and may in fact be diametrically the opposite. Compare some of the things that are seen morally right in other parts of the world that we find to be completely unreasonable. No common universal code going on there.
That could be an interesting discussion, but probably turn into a threadjack. Still, it appears that every time an ethos progresses to the point where it's written down, there are some universals: Don't steal stuff, don't kill others, make sure the women and kids are cared for etc. Most of course come with a big fat set of exceptions, beginning with "Not applicable to those outside our tribe/race/religion/fiefdom/kingdom/nation". Often handled by defining those others as not really being humans.
We're going to have to quantify what good is and what bad is.
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What would you say about having the 10 Commandments, Jesus' teachings, in conjuction with our God given Moral Conscience which reflect absolute moral laws ....as the ultimate unchanging Moral Standard for all peoples to live according to ? Is there a higher standard , and, what might be some reasons why people would want to dissend from them ?
Most people may not be evil but most people are generally greedy,rude and want to take advantage of a good person. I restrict myself to 2-3 friends because of this, many people are ignorant of what it means to be a decent human being and a good individual. People develop these bad traits at a young age, starting in school most of the time.
Well, let me consider the evidence in my own recent experiences.
1. On a stop for breakfast yesterday, I witnessed four teenagers shift their seats to make room for others when they realized a line was forming at the counter.
2. While attending a high school athletic event, also yesterday, a person returned a $10 bill to the cashier after receiving too much change at the Boosters Club snack bar.
3. Last night, my husband stopped and assisted an older person, who was struggling to get out of the backseat of the car in which she was riding.
4. As I'm enjoying my morning tea at my kitchen window and perusing the forums, I see my neighbor shoveling snow from the driveway of another neighbor, and one of the morning walkers just picked up a piece of trash caught in a snow bank on the other side of the street, which I noticed because I was going to run out and get it after I finished my breakfast.
Yep, I'd say people are pretty good overall.
Last edited by randomparent; 02-02-2014 at 08:33 AM..
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