Morality?

[devildust1982]

I am interested to hear anyone's thoughts on morality: practical definition as well as it's place/value in society.

To clarify, I am speaking irrespective of religion as that isn't a universal for all people. Is morality a universal value?

 

[Crimzen]

i think morality is individual as we all draw the line at whats right and wrong at different places
but the concept of morality is universal (or at least all around earth :wink: )

 

[devildust1982]

I agree completely with what you're saying....

It is the individual standards of morality that I think lead to so many "problems" in the world. I am completely aware that we can't and won't all share the some moral standards. So how do we all coexist and have respect for each other?

Some people can kill with no guilt. Cheat on their spouses with no guilt. Lie to their loved ones with no guilt and with no intention to change....all because these things fall within their "moral code."

Can there ever be definite rights and wrongs?

 

[Crimzen]

no i dont think so
thats what the law is there for, to try and keep us in between the lines
but sometimes the law itself can be seen as immoral, depending on whos looking at it

just so long as no one pushes each others boundaries TOO far then we can coexist
its when you wrong some one or do something that someone else sees as SUPER immoral, thats when conflicts happen

we can coexist through patience and understanding

 

[devildust1982]

I know that what you're saying is correct...it's just something that I struggle with internally. I used to act in a manner that I would consider "immoral" but have changed my life almost completely and now act in a way that I would consider (for the most part) "moral"

Let me ask your opinion on something else personal to me. Through deception, I in a way mortally wounded a lot of important relationships in my life. I violated the trust of the people most important to me. I have changed my life but they still have a lot of trouble believing me and trusting me...and I agree with them. How would they trust me after the ways I abused their trust?

Do you think that there can ever be complete forgiven? In all honesty, I'm not looking for that from them. In my eyes, there is none. People have to deal with the consequences of their actions and some consequences last a lifetime...and I'm prepared to deal with it. When my family questions me or my ex husband...I know why. I would if I were them too.

When we violate someone else's moral code, can you ever come back from it? Would people be more accountable to each other if there were more universal morals?

 

[Crimzen]

well at least youve made a big change in what seems to me to be the right direction

I dont know exactly what you did to violate their trust but trust is a delicate thing in my eyes
i find it increasingly harder to trust people through seeing the way that people behave and once someone gives me a reason to distrust them i find it almost impossible to trust them again

i do however think that its possible to regain trust if you remain honest with the people youve apparently hurt, in time they should observe that you are worthy of their trust just as long as you keep it up
but then everyone is different so it depends on a great deal of things
one being the individuals who no longer trust you and their personal beliefs and willingness to be open to healing the trust bond you once had
another factor is you keeping up your new found morals
dont give up on people even when they give up on you

dont make the mistake of outwardly trying to regain someones trust because they could (rightly or wrongly) see it simply as a ploy on your part to get back in their good books just so you can deceive them again
just be honest with them and with yourself, hope for the best and try to be optimistic

 

[dirk.bruere]

There is only one scientific basis for morality and that is Game Theory.
Having said that, it involves people.
The bottom line of any workable morality is keepiung ones work.
Do not makle promises you cannot keep.
Do not break promises because otherwise only fools will trust you and you will suffer.
Anyway, my moral/ethical cose is laid down by Odin in the Havamal:
http://www.neopax.com/Artemis/Havamal/havamal.htm

 

[Crimzen]

i love the havamal!
i also got some of my morals from that
i used to be asatru (or so-called, was never an actual member of the group)

 

[dirk.bruere]

Sorry about the spelling mistakes on my last post - typing on a small laptop.
And "work" should have been "word" (I'm obsessed with work right now...)
Anyway, Asatru is as Asatru does.
If you Blot to the Gods you are Asatru.

 

[Jerika_Rain]

"The bottom line of any workable morality is keeping ones word.
Do not make promises you cannot keep.
Do not break promises because otherwise only fools will trust you and you will suffer."

Very well said!