UNDERSTANDING MORALITY
WHAT IS MORALITY?
This is a set of ideas about what is right or wrong, good or bad, acceptable or unacceptable.
It is the understanding of right and wrong, good or bad, acceptable or unacceptable behaviour.
It means accepted standards of good or right and bad or wrong behaviour.
ASPECTS OF MORALITY
ASPECT OF MORALITY DEFINITION EXAMPLES
1 Moral actonn These are good, right, acceptable actonn. Greeting elders
They are done by people who know the Helping the needy and the
difference between right and wrong but disadvantaged.
rather choone to do what in right, good, Being truthful
acceptable. Reporting crime
2 Immoral actonn These are bad, wrong, unacceptable Fighting
actonn. Bullying
They are done by people who know the Stealing
difference between right and wrong but Gossip
rather choone to do what in wrong, bad, Uttering insults
unacceptable.
3 Amoral actonn These are actions which are NEITHER wrong, A baby saying an insult
bad, unacceptable NOR right, good, A mentally ill person
acceptable. commitng murder/ killing
They are done by people who DO NOT know another person.
the difference between right and wrong. A child crying for something
These people include babien or toddlern and that does not belong to
mentally ill people them.
A mentally ill person raping
a goat (bestiality)
EXAMPLES OF SOURCES OF MORALITY ACCORDING TO RELIGION
RELIGION SUPREME BEING FOUNDER SACRED TEXT ETHICAL CODES
Chrintanity God Jesus Christ Holy bible The Ten Commandments
Inlam Allah Prophet Holy Qur’an, Koran Shariah law
Muhammad
Sikhinm Nam /waheguru Guru Nanak Guru Granth, Dasam
Granth, Adi Granth
Buddhinm No supreme being Siddhartha Gautama Tripitaka, Tipitaka, Pali- The Noble Eight fold Path
canon
Judainm Yahweh Abraham Tenakh/ Tanakah
(Torah, Nevim,
Ketuvim), Jewish
Scrolls, Mid rash
Hinduinm brahma No founder Vedas, laws of Manu, The Niyama,The Yama
Puranas
PHILOSOPHY AS A SOURCE OF MORALITY
Philonophy: this is the study of nature and meaning of existence
Philonophern: these are people who study nature and want to know the meaning of existence and
therefore develop philosophical theories
PHILOSOPHICAL THEORY PHILOSOPHER (n) TEACHING
Ratonality Immanuel Kant Human beings unlike animals are rational (reasonable, sensible,
normal) because their actions are a result of REASON and
THOUGHT. Since humans are able to think and reason they are
guided by;
Renpect: they must show respect(appreciate, regard,value) for
others
Autonomy: they must act independently
Ratonality: their actions must be result of reason and thought
Univernality : their actions must be acceptable in the society
Utlity principle Jeremy An action is considered morally right if it brings happiness to the
Bentham greatest number of people, therefore an action is considered
James Mill morally wrong if it brings unhappiness or sadness to the greatest
John Stuart Mill number of people
Benevolence David Hume Source of morality is the feeling of benevolence (kindness,
compassion,) and sympathy that we naturally have for other
people. This therefore promotes happiness, well being and
prosperity of the society
CULTURE AS A SOURCE OF MORALITY
What in culture?
Culture in a way of life of people.
Every society has its own culture or way of life which is passed on from one generation to the next.
Culture gives a community or society a distinct identity and is a link with its past, knowing and
appreciating one’s culture is therefore very important.
There are a number of sources of morality, but many people believe that morality is derived from
religion, traditions and the cultural values of society through the process of socialization. As people
interact with others and as they grow up, they acquire some rules, principles and moral standards by
which they live. These rules and principles guide and infuence their behavior.
Generally, the norms, values and the culture they belong to have a great impact and infuence on the
way people view and understand issues, especially issues concerning the idea of what is right and
wrong.
Examples of sources of morality according to culture are: cultural taboos, initiations schools, proverbs,
riddles and totems. These refect the ideas of morality.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MORALITY IN A SOCIETY
1. It promotes peace and harmony
When people relate well to others they are likely to help each other and cooperate. Encourages
people to work together for common good and keep good relationships. Peace and harmony are
important for people to live freely, to work and feel safe.
2. Helps people to make responsible choices
People are expected to use the ideas about the good and wrong and bad ways of behaving to
account for their actions.
3. Morality is the foundation for law in society
Society needs morality because laws based on ideas of right and wrong are likely to be
supported by most members of that society. Leaders who violate the rule of law and abuse the
rights of their people are normally seen as immoral. Helps us to have a clear understanding of
the difference between right and wrong behavior in society
4. Helps us to understand the effects of our actions on other people
People use ideas about morality to assess how their actions and behavior hurt or interfere with
other people’s rights and freedom.