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Difference between revisions of "Morality"

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[[Morality]] (from the Latin [[moralitas]] "[[manner]], [[character]], [[proper behavior]]") is the differentiation of intentions, decisions, and [[actions]] between those that are "good" (or right) and those that are "bad" (or wrong). The [[philosophy]] of [[morality]] is [[ethics]]. A [[Moral]] code is a system of [[morality]] (according to a particular [[philosophy]], [[Religion]], culture, etc.) and a [[Moral]] is any one practice or [[teaching]] within a [[Moral]] code. [[Morality]] may also be specifically {{Wiki|synonymous}} with "[[goodness]]" or "[[rightness]]." Immorality is the active opposition to [[morality]] (i.e. opposition to that which is good or right), while amorality is variously defined as an unawareness of, [[indifference]] toward, or disbelief in any set of [[Moral]] standards or principles. An example of a [[Moral]] code is the [[Golden Rule]] which states that, "One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself."
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[[Morality]] (from the {{Wiki|Latin}} [[moralitas]] "[[manner]], [[character]], [[proper behavior]]") is the differentiation of {{Wiki|intentions}}, decisions, and [[actions]] between those that are "good" (or right) and those that are "bad" (or wrong). The [[philosophy]] of [[morality]] is [[ethics]]. A [[Moral]] code is a system of [[morality]] (according to a particular [[philosophy]], [[Religion]], {{Wiki|culture}}, etc.) and a [[Moral]] is any one practice or [[teaching]] within a [[Moral]] code. [[Morality]] may also be specifically {{Wiki|synonymous}} with "[[goodness]]" or "[[rightness]]." Immorality is the active [[opposition]] to [[morality]] (i.e. [[opposition]] to that which is good or right), while amorality is variously defined as an unawareness of, [[indifference]] toward, or disbelief in any set of [[Moral]] standards or {{Wiki|principles}}. An example of a [[Moral]] code is the [[Golden Rule]] which states that, "One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself."
  
 
[[Morality]] and [[ethics]]
 
[[Morality]] and [[ethics]]
  
[[Ethics]] (also known as [[Moral]] [[philosophy]]) is that branch of [[philosophy]] which addresses questions about [[morality]]. The word '[[ethics]]' is "commonly used interchangeably with '[[morality]]' ... and sometimes it is used more narrowly to mean the [[Moral]] principles of a particular [[tradition]], group, or {{Wiki|individual}}." Likewise, certain types of [[ethical]] theories, especially [[Wikipedia:Deontological ethics|deontological]] [[ethics]], sometimes distinguish between '[[ethics]]' and 'morals': "Although the [[morality]] of [[people]] and their [[ethics]] amounts to the same thing, there is a usage that restricts [[morality]] to systems such as that of {{Wiki|Kant}}, based on notions such as duty, obligation, and principles of conduct, reserving [[ethics]] for the more Aristotelian approach to practical {{Wiki|reasoning}}, based on the notion of a [[Virtue]], and generally avoiding the separation of '[[Moral]]' considerations from other practical considerations." Although the words are often used as synonyms, morals are [[beliefs]] based on practices or teachings regarding how [[people]] conduct themselves in personal relationships and in {{Wiki|society}}, while [[ethics]] refers to a set or system of principles, or a [[philosophy]] or {{Wiki|theory}} behind them. When comparing [[morality]] with [[ethics]], the word [[ethics]] is often used to refer to a [[philosophical]] analysis of a particular [[morality]], especially when the formal definition is applied.
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[[Ethics]] (also known as [[Moral]] [[philosophy]]) is that branch of [[philosophy]] which addresses questions about [[morality]]. The [[word]] '[[ethics]]' is "commonly used interchangeably with '[[morality]]' ... and sometimes it is used more narrowly to mean the [[Moral]] {{Wiki|principles}} of a particular [[tradition]], group, or {{Wiki|individual}}." Likewise, certain types of [[ethical]] theories, especially [[Wikipedia:Deontological ethics|deontological]] [[ethics]], sometimes distinguish between '[[ethics]]' and '{{Wiki|morals}}': "Although the [[morality]] of [[people]] and their [[ethics]] amounts to the same thing, there is a usage that restricts [[morality]] to systems such as that of {{Wiki|Kant}}, based on notions such as [[duty]], {{Wiki|obligation}}, and {{Wiki|principles}} of conduct, reserving [[ethics]] for the more {{Wiki|Aristotelian}} approach to {{Wiki|practical}} {{Wiki|reasoning}}, based on the notion of a [[Virtue]], and generally avoiding the separation of '[[Moral]]' considerations from other {{Wiki|practical}} considerations." Although the words are often used as synonyms, {{Wiki|morals}} are [[beliefs]] based on practices or teachings regarding how [[people]] conduct themselves in personal relationships and in {{Wiki|society}}, while [[ethics]] refers to a set or system of {{Wiki|principles}}, or a [[philosophy]] or {{Wiki|theory}} behind them. When comparing [[morality]] with [[ethics]], the [[word]] [[ethics]] is often used to refer to a [[philosophical]] analysis of a particular [[morality]], especially when the formal [[definition]] is applied.
 
Descriptive and normative
 
Descriptive and normative
 
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[[File:46cc81e.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
     In its descriptive [[sense]], "[[morality]]" refers to personal or cultural values, codes of conduct or {{Wiki|social}} mores. It does not connote [[objective]] claims of right or wrong, but only refers to that which is considered right or wrong. Descriptive [[ethics]] is the branch of [[philosophy]] which studies [[morality]] in this [[sense]].
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     In its descriptive [[sense]], "[[morality]]" refers to personal or {{Wiki|cultural}} values, {{Wiki|codes}} of conduct or {{Wiki|social}} mores. It does not connote [[objective]] claims of right or wrong, but only refers to that which is considered right or wrong. Descriptive [[ethics]] is the branch of [[philosophy]] which studies [[morality]] in this [[sense]].
     In its normative [[sense]], "[[morality]]" refers to whatever (if anything) is actually right or wrong, which may be independent of the values or mores held by any particular peoples or cultures. Normative [[ethics]] is the branch of [[philosophy]] which studies [[morality]] in this [[sense]].
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     In its normative [[sense]], "[[morality]]" refers to whatever (if anything) is actually right or wrong, which may be {{Wiki|independent}} of the values or mores held by any particular peoples or cultures. Normative [[ethics]] is the branch of [[philosophy]] which studies [[morality]] in this [[sense]].
  
Realism and anti-realism
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[[Realism]] and anti-realism
  
[[Philosophical]] theories on the nature and origins of [[morality]] (that is, theories of meta-ethics) are broadly divided into two classes:
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[[Philosophical]] theories on the [[nature]] and origins of [[morality]] (that is, theories of meta-ethics) are broadly divided into two classes:
  
     [[Moral]] realism is the class of theories which hold that there are true [[Moral]] statements that report [[objective]] [[Moral]] facts. For example, while they might concede that forces of {{Wiki|social}} conformity significantly [[shape]] {{Wiki|individuals}}' "[[Moral]]" decisions, they deny that those cultural norms and customs define morally right {{Wiki|behavior}}. This may be the [[philosophical]] [[view]] propounded by [[ethical]] naturalists, however not all [[Moral]] realists accept that position (e.g. [[ethical]] non-naturalists).
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     [[Moral]] {{Wiki|realism}} is the class of theories which hold that there are true [[Moral]] statements that report [[objective]] [[Moral]] facts. For example, while they might concede that forces of {{Wiki|social}} conformity significantly [[shape]] {{Wiki|individuals}}' "[[Moral]]" decisions, they deny that those {{Wiki|cultural}} norms and customs define {{Wiki|morally}} right {{Wiki|behavior}}. This may be the [[philosophical]] [[view]] propounded by [[ethical]] naturalists, however not all [[Moral]] [[realists]] accept that position (e.g. [[ethical]] non-naturalists).
     [[Moral]] anti-realism, on the other hand, holds that [[Moral]] statements either fail or do not even attempt to report [[objective]] [[Moral]] facts. Instead, they hold that [[Moral]] claims are derived either from an unsupported [[belief]] that there are [[objective]] [[Moral]] facts (error {{Wiki|theory}}, a [[Form]] of [[Moral]] [[nihilism]]); the speakers' sentiments (emotivism, a [[Form]] of [[Moral]] relativism); or any one of the norms prevalent in {{Wiki|society}} ([[ethical]] subjectivism, another [[Form]] of [[Moral]] relativism).
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     [[Moral]] anti-realism, on the other hand, holds that [[Moral]] statements either fail or do not even attempt to report [[objective]] [[Moral]] facts. Instead, they hold that [[Moral]] claims are derived either from an unsupported [[belief]] that there are [[objective]] [[Moral]] facts (error {{Wiki|theory}}, a [[Form]] of [[Moral]] [[nihilism]]); the speakers' sentiments (emotivism, a [[Form]] of [[Moral]] {{Wiki|relativism}}); or any one of the norms prevalent in {{Wiki|society}} ([[ethical]] [[subjectivism]], another [[Form]] of [[Moral]] {{Wiki|relativism}}).
  
Theories which claim that [[morality]] is derived from {{Wiki|reasoning}} about implied imperatives ([[universal]] prescriptivism), the edicts of a [[God]] ([[divine]] command {{Wiki|theory}}), or the {{Wiki|hypothetical}} decrees of a perfectly [[rational]] [[being]] (ideal observer {{Wiki|theory}}), are considered anti-realist in the robust [[sense]] used here, but are considered realist in the [[sense]] {{Wiki|synonymous}} with [[Moral]] [[Universalism]].
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Theories which claim that [[morality]] is derived from {{Wiki|reasoning}} about implied imperatives ([[universal]] prescriptivism), the {{Wiki|edicts}} of a [[God]] ([[divine]] command {{Wiki|theory}}), or the {{Wiki|hypothetical}} decrees of a perfectly [[rational]] [[being]] ({{Wiki|ideal}} observer {{Wiki|theory}}), are considered anti-realist in the robust [[sense]] used here, but are considered realist in the [[sense]] {{Wiki|synonymous}} with [[Moral]] [[Universalism]].
 
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[[Category:Buddhist Terms]]
 
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]]
 
[[Category:Buddhist Ethics]]
 
[[Category:Buddhist Ethics]]

Latest revision as of 23:38, 29 January 2015

45 l.jpg

Morality (from the Latin moralitas "manner, character, proper behavior") is the differentiation of intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are "good" (or right) and those that are "bad" (or wrong). The philosophy of morality is ethics. A Moral code is a system of morality (according to a particular philosophy, Religion, culture, etc.) and a Moral is any one practice or teaching within a Moral code. Morality may also be specifically synonymous with "goodness" or "rightness." Immorality is the active opposition to morality (i.e. opposition to that which is good or right), while amorality is variously defined as an unawareness of, indifference toward, or disbelief in any set of Moral standards or principles. An example of a Moral code is the Golden Rule which states that, "One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself."

Morality and ethics

Ethics (also known as Moral philosophy) is that branch of philosophy which addresses questions about morality. The word 'ethics' is "commonly used interchangeably with 'morality' ... and sometimes it is used more narrowly to mean the Moral principles of a particular tradition, group, or individual." Likewise, certain types of ethical theories, especially deontological ethics, sometimes distinguish between 'ethics' and 'morals': "Although the morality of people and their ethics amounts to the same thing, there is a usage that restricts morality to systems such as that of Kant, based on notions such as duty, obligation, and principles of conduct, reserving ethics for the more Aristotelian approach to practical reasoning, based on the notion of a Virtue, and generally avoiding the separation of 'Moral' considerations from other practical considerations." Although the words are often used as synonyms, morals are beliefs based on practices or teachings regarding how people conduct themselves in personal relationships and in society, while ethics refers to a set or system of principles, or a philosophy or theory behind them. When comparing morality with ethics, the word ethics is often used to refer to a philosophical analysis of a particular morality, especially when the formal definition is applied.
Descriptive and normative

46cc81e.jpg

    In its descriptive sense, "morality" refers to personal or cultural values, codes of conduct or social mores. It does not connote objective claims of right or wrong, but only refers to that which is considered right or wrong. Descriptive ethics is the branch of philosophy which studies morality in this sense.
    In its normative sense, "morality" refers to whatever (if anything) is actually right or wrong, which may be independent of the values or mores held by any particular peoples or cultures. Normative ethics is the branch of philosophy which studies morality in this sense.

Realism and anti-realism

Philosophical theories on the nature and origins of morality (that is, theories of meta-ethics) are broadly divided into two classes:

    Moral realism is the class of theories which hold that there are true Moral statements that report objective Moral facts. For example, while they might concede that forces of social conformity significantly shape individuals' "Moral" decisions, they deny that those cultural norms and customs define morally right behavior. This may be the philosophical view propounded by ethical naturalists, however not all Moral realists accept that position (e.g. ethical non-naturalists).
    Moral anti-realism, on the other hand, holds that Moral statements either fail or do not even attempt to report objective Moral facts. Instead, they hold that Moral claims are derived either from an unsupported belief that there are objective Moral facts (error theory, a Form of Moral nihilism); the speakers' sentiments (emotivism, a Form of Moral relativism); or any one of the norms prevalent in society (ethical subjectivism, another Form of Moral relativism).

Theories which claim that morality is derived from reasoning about implied imperatives (universal prescriptivism), the edicts of a God (divine command theory), or the hypothetical decrees of a perfectly rational being (ideal observer theory), are considered anti-realist in the robust sense used here, but are considered realist in the sense synonymous with Moral Universalism.

Source

Wikipedia:Morality