Posted by Jean Paul Sartre on February 11, 1999 at 22:34:34:
In Reply to: Re: What is the Origin of Morality? or the Geneology of Morals. posted by Jean Paul Sartre on February 11, 1999 at 22:31:43:
: : : For whence does morality come from. Think about this question carefully. For the origin also must be the justification. Take three short examples.
: : : Model #1, Divine Laws. Morality was handed down from the gods. From Plato's Euthyphro, or the 10 commandments - the divine law doctrine states that morality is dictated and justified by the Gods. These Gods are smarter and more power than we are. To disregard the divine laws is an act of transgression. These laws are the highest of the land. From these laws we can derive national/kings/criminal laws. These are the laws committed against the collective. And we can derive civil laws. These laws are between individuals. The gods legitimize the truth of the moral code.
: : : Model#2 Morality as the universal and rational laws. Ethics defines what ought to be true. It is true because it applies to everyone, and that anyone who is reasonable can see that this is the way to go. Do do otherwise would be ridiculous. This model can also be found in Euthypro. Another version is in John Rawl's a Theory of Justice. In the examination of the ideal state, the legislators must not know their eventual position in the society that they create. They must decide behind a veil of ignorance. Because they do not know the final outcome within their new society, they will choose the most fair, and therefore just society. Like Model#1, morality is a priori to the act.
: : : Model #3. Morality is conventional and arises through interaction with people. Instead of God's laws or principles, morality developed from the ground up. Promises can be made between trustworthy people. A network of promises develope. Morality developes as a way to codify, regulate, and make efficient the economy of promise making.
: : : Can anyone think of other possibilities from which morality has developed? Or can anyone think about the the models I have given. I'm interested in your ideas.
: : There is no origin of morality. It, like truth, lies in the eye of the beholder.
: The one morality that is not understood underneath the classical titles is a selfempowered view towards ethics ;where the individual makes him or herself soveriegn.In this state what one wills may or may not agree with the laws of a people, state , nature,and /or God at any particular time.It is an integrated concept within the realm of the individuals conscious. It is not a statement of situational ethics or moral relativity for such pronouncements mean nothing to one who understands and molds the nature of his person.He simply is and does not require explaination for his will is not open to situation but his own being.A profound understanding of our own potential individuality if we choose to seize it.
: Jean Paul Sartre
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