Universal ethical standard

feral · Feb 23, 2008

I'm actually in the process of reading Mark Hauser's "Moral Minds" which discusses morality and an ethical standard of behaviour that people are born with rather than acquire. It sort of fits the topic, so I thought I'd recommend it.

There seems to be almost universal condemnation of specific "big bad" behaviours, such as murder, rape and theft. It's interesting to note, for me anyway, that the majority of people agree that these things are wrong regardless of differences in culture, religion, and nationality. I think those larger issues are the only ones that can be understood as universal or enforced as such.

alerj123 · Feb 23, 2008

feral said:
I'm actually in the process of reading Mark Hauser's "Moral Minds" which discusses morality and an ethical standard of behaviour that people are born with rather than acquire. It sort of fits the topic, so I thought I'd recommend it.

There seems to be almost universal condemnation of specific "big bad" behaviours, such as murder, rape and theft. It's interesting to note, for me anyway, that the majority of people agree that these things are wrong regardless of differences in culture, religion, and nationality. I think those larger issues are the only ones that can be understood as universal or enforced as such.

Which begs the question, is there ever a time when rape and theft can be ok? If not, then god has some serious explaining to do when he orders the "ravaging of women" that he so often does.

nadroj1985 · Feb 23, 2008

There is no universally agreed upon ethical standard, no. The easiest way to see this is to look at the manner in which we're discussing the possibility of such a standard -- we're dealing completely in terms of specific actions; is it always wrong to steal? Is it wrong to kill? etc. If a Greek were asked about whether there was a universal ethical standard, they would likely talk about a person they thought was a paragon of virtue, and not this or that good or evil action. It is not only our ethical standards that are not universal -- our very concept of what might count for a universal standard is itself not universal.

ebia · Feb 23, 2008

nadroj1985 said:
There is no universally agreed upon ethical standard, no. The easiest way to see this is to look at the manner in which we're discussing the possibility of such a standard -- we're dealing completely in terms of specific actions; is it always wrong to steal? Is it wrong to kill? etc. If a Greek were asked about whether there was a universal ethical standard, they would likely talk about a person they thought was a paragon of virtue, and not this or that good or evil action. It is not only our ethical standards that are not universal -- our very concept of what might count for a universal standard is itself not universal.

I note that you've take the question to be "Is there a universally agreed upon ethical standard", where as others have clearly taken it to be "Is there a universal ethical standard (regardless of whether or not it is universally recognised as such)".

quatona · Feb 24, 2008

feral said:
There seems to be almost universal condemnation of specific "big bad" behaviours, such as murder, rape and theft.

That´s obvious, since "murder" and "theft" are words into which the "wrongdoing" is already defined. It´s almost like answering "Doing wrong is always bad."
The interesting question would be: Are there universally agreed upon opinions as to what constitutes theft and murder (beyond the fact that they are words to signify "wrong" behaviour). If we want to find out whether there are universally agreed upon standards, we would have to find out whether people all around the world would agree that - when looking at or having the same information about a concrete action and its particularities - say "this is wrong" ( "murder"/ "theft").

Aradia · Feb 28, 2008

alerj123 said:
Do you think that there is a universal ethical standard? A standard applicable to everyone?

It doesn't matter where this standard comes from, whether it be an inherent characteristic of the world or directly from some sort of God.

I think there may be, which is what I've been pondering lately. I've not yet formed a cohesive understanding of it, but I'm leaning towards something similar to, or based on, virtue ethics.

Whether there is a standard applicable to everyone or not, however, the fact remains that people don't (and probably won't) apply such a standard.

Corey · Feb 28, 2008

alerj123 said:
Do you think that there is a universal ethical standard? A standard applicable to everyone?

It doesn't matter where this standard comes from, whether it be an inherent characteristic of the world or directly from some sort of God.

This question is directed at Christians because of the direction I am going to take it.

Feel free to give your opinion either way though.

Nope. There are too many viewpoints and you can hold yourself to higher or lower standards depending on your situation.

WatersMoon110 · Feb 28, 2008

I think that human society does have some universal ethical standard, in that no humans want to be murdered, raped, or stolen from (even those who rape, murder, or steal). I think that this indicates some ethical standard that all humans ascribe to, even if they aren't aware of it.

Somewhat offtopic: but ontopic here.

Meshavrischika · Feb 28, 2008

alerj123 said:
Do you think that there is a universal ethical standard? A standard applicable to everyone?

It doesn't matter where this standard comes from, whether it be an inherent characteristic of the world or directly from some sort of God.

This question is directed at Christians because of the direction I am going to take it.

Feel free to give your opinion either way though.

Socially or governmentally... no. Each area is beholden to their own idea of morals/ethics and no it doesn't matter where they come from. It is truth for the people in a given area because it is THEIR truth... it's a self created thing... not a world wide thing.

Christian morals/ethics only apply to Christians (and it does no one any good to force these on others because works dont' bring you closer to God... i.e. it's not for their own good) and even then grace abounds so even failure at times for Christians to follow their own code, while not okay, is ultimately not a long term issue (forever wise)

Universal ethical standard

feral

Dostoyevsky was right

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alerj123

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nadroj1985

A bittersweet truth: sum, ergo cogito

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ebia

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quatona

"God"? What do you mean??

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Aradia

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Corey

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WatersMoon110

To See with Eyes Unclouded by Hate

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Meshavrischika

for Thy greater honor and glory

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