What is morality? Morals and moral standards

What are the characteristic features of morality? The concept of morality is the whole system norms and rules that govern moral interaction between individuals, according to the generally accepted system of values. Thanks to moral views, a person gains the ability to distinguish good from evil.

How is morality formed?

How do we recognize morality? Morality affects everything. The concept of morality makes it possible to reconcile personal interests with social ones. A person becomes aware of the signs of morality during the formation of personality in society. First, an individual learns moral standards during his upbringing, trying to do the right things, imitating older, more experienced people. Then, as they grow older, they begin to comprehend their own actions in accordance with generally accepted judgments established in society.

Signs of morality

Morality as a way active participation V social life differs in characteristic features. In total, there are three signs of morality:

1. Universality - the requirements of the norms adopted in social environment, are the same for all its members.
2. Voluntary character - actions that correspond to moral behavior are not performed by individuals forcibly. In this case, education, personal beliefs, and conscience come into play. The voluntary performance of moral actions is influenced by public opinion.
3. All-encompassing - morality affects every human activity. Moral actions naturally manifest themselves in communication, creativity, public life, science, politics.

Functions of morality

By what sign we learn is, first of all, a way to flexibly change the behavior of individuals in the course of social life. This is her As many other solutions have emerged to stimulate the “correct” actions of people: administrative penalties, legal norms. However, morality remains a unique phenomenon to this day. Its manifestation does not require reinforcement from the outside punitive authorities or special institutions. The regulation of morality is carried out through the activation of neural connections that were formed in the process of human upbringing and correspond to the principles of behavior in society.

What is the hallmark of morality? Another of its functions is to evaluate the world from the point of view of humane behavior. To some extent, morality contributes to the development and creation of communities of individuals. The manifestation of the evaluative function forces a person to analyze how the the world around us, depending on the performance of certain actions.

One more important function morality - educational. By concentrating the positive experience of previous eras, morality makes it the property of future generations. Thanks to this, the individual gets the opportunity to acquire the correct social orientation, which does not contradict public interests.

What science studies morality?

The signs of morality, its functions, and development in society are studied by a specific branch of philosophy - ethics. This science explores the basis on which morality emerged in the social environment and how it developed in the historical context.

The main ethical issues are:

• determining the meaning of life, the purpose of humanity and the role of each individual;
• the relative nature of good and evil, their criteria in different historical eras;
• finding ways to implement justice in people's social lives.

In general, ethics should be understood as the totality moral principles, which are generally accepted in a particular society or individual social groups. For example, there is such a concept as what includes responsibility for a certain activity.

How was morality formed in historical context?

Throughout the existence of a civilized society, the signs of morality have remained unchanged. This is the desire to commit and abstain from evil, caring for loved ones, the desire to achieve the public good. There is a wide range of universal human norms of behavior that operate regardless of the individual’s position in society, religious and national identity. However, some forms of morality have undergone evolution throughout the historical development of society:

1. Taboos are strict restrictions that were imposed in certain social communities on the commission of specific actions. Violation of prohibitions was associated in the minds of individuals with a threat to personal safety from other people or supernatural forces. This phenomenon continues to exist in certain cultures to this day.
2. Customs are repeated norms of behavior that are maintained under the influence of public opinion. The need to fulfill numerous customs is especially great in traditional cultures, but is gradually disappearing into oblivion in highly developed countries.
3. Moral rules are ideals that regulate the behavior of an individual. Unlike customs and taboos, they require a conscious choice from a person.

In conclusion

So we found out what is the hallmark of morality and answered other questions. Finally, it is worth noting that in a civilized society, morality is inextricably linked with the concept of law. Both systems impose on the individual the need to meet certain standards of behavior and direct the person to maintain order.

Moral - These are generally accepted ideas about good and evil, right and wrong, bad and good . According to these ideas, there arise moral standards human behavior. A synonym for morality is morality. A separate science deals with the study of morality - ethics.

Morality has its own characteristics.

Signs of morality:

1. The universality of moral norms (that is, they affect everyone equally, regardless of social status).
2. Voluntariness (no one is forced to comply with moral standards, since this is done by such moral principles as conscience, public opinion, karma and other personal beliefs).
3. Comprehensiveness (i.e. moral rules act in all spheres of activity - in politics, in creativity, in business, etc.).

Functions of morality.

Philosophers identify five functions of morality:

1. Evaluation function divides actions into good and bad on a good/evil scale.
2. Regulatory function develops rules and moral standards.
3. Educational function is engaged in the formation of a system of moral values.
4. Control function monitors compliance with rules and regulations.
5. Integrating function maintains a state of harmony within the person himself when performing certain actions.

For social science, the first three functions are key, since they play the main social role of morality.

Moral standards.

Moral standards Much has been written throughout the history of mankind, but the main ones appear in most religions and teachings.

1. Prudence. This is the ability to be guided by reason, and not by impulse, that is, to think before doing.
2. Abstinence. It concerns not only marital relations, but also food, entertainment and other pleasures. Since ancient times, abundance material assets is considered an obstacle to the development of spiritual values. Our Lent- one of the manifestations of this moral norm.
3. Justice. The principle “don’t dig a hole for someone else, you’ll fall into it yourself,” which is aimed at developing respect for other people.
4. Persistence. The ability to endure failures (as they say, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger).
5. Hard work. Labor has always been encouraged in society, so this norm is natural.
6. Humility. Humility is the ability to stop in time. It is a cousin of prudence, with an emphasis on self-development and introspection.
7. Politeness. Polite people have always been valued, since a bad peace, as you know, is better than a good quarrel; and politeness is the basis of diplomacy.

Principles of morality.

Moral principles- These are moral norms of a more private or specific nature. Principles of morality in different times in different communities were different, and accordingly the understanding of good and evil was different.

For example, the principle of “an eye for an eye” (or the principle of talion) is far from being held in high esteem in modern morality. But " golden rule morality” (or Aristotle’s principle of the golden mean) has not changed at all and still remains a moral guide: do to people as you would like to be done to you (in the Bible: “love your neighbor”).

Of all the principles that guide the modern teaching of morality, one main one can be deduced - principle of humanism. It is humanity, compassion, and understanding that can characterize all the other principles and moral norms.

Morality affects all types of human activity and, from the point of view of good and evil, gives an understanding of what principles to follow in politics, in business, in society, in creativity, etc.

Morality; Moral is a term used in relation to an individual or group and denotes the conditions under which self-control, self-confidence and disciplined behavior are exercised.

“Behind a person’s actions is not public opinion, not a universal moral code, but the personality itself, in relation to which for the time being he remains at an unconscious level. Each of us is always also what he was before, and in the same way he there is certainly already something that will only become” (CW 11, par. 390; OI, p. 302).

Psychologically, a moral problem is formulated when a person is faced with the question of who he can become, as opposed to who he will become if certain attitudes are established, decisions are made and actions are encouraged without reflection.

Jung argued that morality is not an invention of society, but is inherent in the very laws of life. It is man who acts with knowledge of his own moral responsibility to himself who creates culture in to a greater extent than everyone else.

In contrast to Freud's superego, Jung proposed that it is the innate principle of individuality that causes each person to hold moral views consistent with himself. This principle restores the balance between conscious and unconscious forces.

Any encounter with archetypes poses a moral problem. In particular, the archetype of the self makes strong authoritarian demands. Here Jung emphasizes that one can consciously say “no” to the power of the self, although union with it is also possible. But trying to ignore or deny the self is immoral because it denies the unique potential of human existence. It is the conflict of opposites that poses a moral problem to the individual.

Morality

from the point of view social psychology morality has to be looked at as a certain form of social behavior, developed and established in the interests of the ruling class, different for different classes. That is why there has always been a morality of masters and a morality of slaves, that is why eras of crises have been the greatest crises of morality. (3.1, 250) See Behavior

MORALITY

1. A doctrine or set of principles of action, a moral code. 2. That quality of action by which that action, according to a particular moral code, is considered right and appropriate or not. Morality, as it derives from the social codification of right and wrong, can be considered either internal and therefore part of the individual's personal code, or external, imposed by society. Although some truths seem self-evident, it may not be the case that there is or can be established (if Kant allows) a universal moral code; as in the case of ethics, a relativistic position is recommended.

Morality

from lat. moralis moral),

1) morality, a special form of social consciousness and type of social relations (moral relations); one of the main ways to regulate human actions in society through norms. Unlike simple custom or tradition, moral norms receive ideological justification in the form of ideals of good and evil, due, justice, etc. Unlike law, the fulfillment of moral requirements is sanctioned only by forms of spiritual influence (public assessment, approval or condemnation). Along with universal human elements, morality includes historically transitory norms, principles, and ideals. Morality is studied by a special philosophical discipline - ethics;

2) separate practical moral instruction, moral teaching (moral of a fable, etc.).

Morality

Morality

lat. moralis - moral) - 1. a set of unwritten, conditional (conventional) principles and norms of behavior in relation to oneself, other people, social groups and society as a whole. One of the most important issues personality theory is the study of the nature and development of human moral consciousness. The psychopathology of moral consciousness was developed only in the most general outline; 2. with a negative connotation - moralizing, teaching, reading moral maxims; 3. instructive conclusion.

Morality

a concept through which customs, laws, actions, characters are identified in the mental and practical experience of people, expressing the highest values ​​and obligations, through which a person manifests himself as a rational, self-conscious and free being.

The concept of “morality” is formed in philosophical reflection with the aim of generalizing those aspects of human life that were denoted by the words “good (good) and evil”, “justice and willfulness”, “right and wrong”, as well as “character”, “norms and principles of behavior", "dignity", etc.

The main differences in philosophical, ethical and moralistic interpretations of morality are determined by differences in understanding the source of morality and the content of the moral ideal.

According to the understanding of the source of morality, they differ typologically:

a) naturalistic concepts that derive morality from nature, representing morality as a moment in the development of natural (biological) laws (J.O. de La Mettrie, evolutionary ethics);

b) sociological concepts that derive morality from society, representing morality as an element public organization(Nietzsche, Z. Freud, who highlight the main function of morality as socially repressive);

c) anthropological concepts that derive morality from human nature, interpreting morality as an integral quality of a person (Democritus, Aristotle, J.P. Sartre, E. Fromm);

d) supranaturalistic concepts that derive morality from some transcendental source; in religious teachings, morality is presented as a divine commandment given in revelation (Plato, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Russian religious and philosophical tradition).

According to the interpretation of the ideal, they differ:

a) hedonistic teachings, according to which the highest value and goal of a person is pleasure, and all a person’s duties are ultimately subordinated to his desire to receive pleasure (Cyrenaics, D. De Sade);

b) utilitarian or pragmatist teachings, according to which what serves a specific purpose is morally valuable, and a person must perform useful actions and strive for success (sophists, Mill, B. Franklin, F. Chernyshevsky, Marxism);

c) perfectionist teachings, according to which the highest value is perfection, and everyone should improve in an effort to get closer to the ideal

(Plato, Augustine, B. Spinoza, V.S. Solovyov, N.A. Berdyaev);

d) humanistic teachings, according to which the highest moral value is man, and the duty of everyone is to promote the good of another (Shaftesbury, A. Schopenhauer, Fromm).

The classification is based on the identification of “primary” values: the ethics of happiness and the ethics of duty are not included, i.e. relate to speculative images of morality, indicate the priority of a certain value (pleasure, benefit, perfection, mercy).

The social system of the 21st century presupposes the presence of a set of certain legal and moral laws, creating an unbreakable hierarchical system of moral and state standards. Caring parents from childhood explain to their child the difference between good and bad deeds, instilling in their offspring the concepts of “Good” and “Evil.” It is not surprising that in the life of every person, murder or gluttony is associated with negative phenomena, while nobility and mercy belong to the category of positive personal qualities. Some moral principles are already present at the subconscious level, other postulates are acquired over time, forming the image of an individual. However, few people think about the importance of instilling such values ​​in themselves, neglecting their significance. It is impossible to coexist harmoniously with the outside world, guided solely by biological instincts - this is a “dangerous” path, invariably leading to the destruction of personal appearance.

Maximum happiness.

This facet of human morality was examined and proven by the utilitarians John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham, who dealt with ethics in state institute USA. This statement is based on the following formulation: an individual’s behavior should lead to an improvement in the lives of those around him. In other words, if you adhere to social standards, then a favorable environment for the coexistence of each individual is created in society.

Justice.

A similar principle was proposed by the American scientist John Rawls, who argued for the need to equate social laws with internal moral factors. A person occupying the bottom rung in a hierarchical structure should have equal spiritual rights with a person at the top of the ladder - this is the fundamental aspect of the statement of the US philosopher.

It is important to think about your own personal qualities in order to engage in self-improvement in advance. If you neglect such a phenomenon, then over time it will develop into betrayal. A variety of changes that cannot be avoided will form an immoral image that is rejected by others. The main thing is to take a responsible approach to identifying life principles and determining the vector of your worldview, objectively assessing your behavioral characteristics.

Commandments of the Old Testament and modern society

When “understanding” the question of the meaning of moral principles and ethics in human life, in the process of research you will definitely turn to the Bible to familiarize yourself with the Ten Commandments from Old Testament. Cultivating morality in oneself invariably echoes statements from the church book:

the events taking place are marked by fate, suggesting the development of moral and moral principles in a person (everything is the will of God);
do not elevate the people around you by idealizing idols;
do not mention the name of the Lord in everyday situations, complaining about unfavorable circumstances;
respect the relatives who gave you life;
Dedicate six days to work, and the seventh day to spiritual rest;
do not kill living organisms;
do not commit adultery by cheating on your spouse;
You shouldn’t take other people’s things and become a thief;
avoid lies in order to remain honest with yourself and the people around you;
Don't envy strangers about whom you only know public facts.

Some of the above commandments do not meet the social standards of the 21st century, but most of the statements have remained relevant for many centuries. Today, it is advisable to add the following statements to such axioms, reflecting the features of living in developed megacities:

don’t be lazy and be energetic to keep up with the fast pace of industrial centers;
achieve personal success and improve yourself without stopping at achieved goals;
When creating a family, think in advance about the feasibility of the union in order to avoid divorce;
limit yourself to sexual intercourse, remembering to use protection - eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancy, which results in abortion.
do not neglect the interests of strangers, going over your head for personal gain.

What does any society need to survive? Among other components are rules that help you survive. Historical experience determines what increases the vitality of society and what, on the contrary, reduces it. By observing and drawing conclusions, people determine right and wrong behavior and agree on methods of communication and behavior. This is how morality appears.

A more accurate answer to the question “morality” can be found in dictionaries that define it as a set of unspoken rules and traditions, establishing a set of norms of behavior, forming concepts of good and evil, bad and good.

There are actions that often have to be prohibited: murder, theft, insult, etc. Frequently repeated bans gradually develop into law.

Morality is a flexible concept, it is different for each society, it can change over time. Each nation builds its own principles of behavior, based on specific, real experience. Therefore, answering the question of whether representatives different cultures may give different interpretations.

Morality is inextricably linked with - it is a systematized complex of behavior based on the concepts of moral and immoral. - two pillars on which a moral society relies. Naturally, ethics also depends on the characteristics of the society in which it was formed. For example, in some Caucasian states, the appearance of a woman with her head uncovered or unaccompanied by men is still considered unethical.

When answering the question of what morality is, it should be remembered that this concept is sometimes referred not to society as a whole, but only to a certain part of it.

There is Christian, Islamic, professional morality. Each of them, as can be seen, applies only to a limited group of people, and therefore has its own foundations.

What is professional morality? This is a system that specifies a generally accepted concept as applied to representatives of a certain profession. It determines the attitude of a professional or representative of a profession to the object of work, his partners and colleagues, as well as to the results of work.

The main thing in the concept is the concept of duty and responsibility. The concept of professional conscience comes close to them.

For example, one of the main principles defining the duty of a doctor is the principle of “do no harm.”

Those involved in sales have an unspoken rule: “the customer is always right.”

Professional morality reflects the entire spectrum of moral worldviews, principles and rules of behavior of representatives of one professional community, satisfying a specific social need.

To sum up the discussion on morality, we can say: morality is the basis on which any society is built and develops.