Moral and Non-moral Standards
What is the importance/relevance of ethics?
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Exposed you to opposing viewpoints on principles regarding ethics
Promote expansion on the understanding of ethics
Guide for us to make a positive impact through our actions and
decisions/ Critical thinking skills
Ethical choices and its application are always encouraged in all areas
of our lives.
What is morality?
Morality refers to the standards that a person or a group has about what is
right and wrong, or good and evil.
When a person or group of people perceives something as right or good
against wrong or evil because of their norms, values, or culture that is
Morality.
Different societies (Asian countries as opposed to Western countries) have
different cultures hence has different beliefs. Our beliefs are deeply
influenced by our own culture and context. Thus, some values do have moral
implications while others don’t.
Now, what happens when one culture imposes its own cultural standards to
others? Conflict may arise which may result to clash in cultural values and
beliefs. Violence and crime may ensue (such as religious violence and ethnic
cleansing). Thus, there is a need to set distinction on moral standards to
prevent cultural enigma.
It is significant to ascertain the difference of moral versus non-moral standard
to prevent such cultural issues.
If we are able to distinguish moral and non-moral standards, it will serve as our
guide in our actions then we can relate with others in the society.
Understanding particular values and beliefs of varied culture may prevent us
from the unnecessary imposition of one’s own cultural standards on others.
Moral vs. Non-moral standards
Moral standards are norms that individuals or groups have about the kinds
of actions believed to be morally right or wrong, as well as the values they
place on the kinds of objects they believe are morally good and morally
bad.
So moral standards is a combination of norms and values; Norms that a
person or group of people has about the kinds of actions or actions we
ought to do or not to do because it is either morally right or wrong. Also,
values placed on the objects or kinds of objects they believed are morally
good or bad.
Eq. It is a universal moral standard that killing is wrong, stealing, lying and so
on.
It deals with matters which can seriously impact, that is, injure or benefit
human beings.
Some ethicists equate moral standards with moral values and moral
principles.
Later on, we are going to discuss the difference of those concepts.
Non-moral standards
On the other hand, when we say non-moral standards it doesn’t literally
mean without moral or Immoral, alright. Being immoral and non-moral is
two distinct concepts.
Basically, non-moral standards refer to standards by which we judge what
is good or bad, right or wrong in a non-moral way (without moral
considerations). Non-moral standards are more of a rules based on taste or
preference.
Eq. One should not talk while their mouth is full. Fashion standards such ugly
or fabulous. Rules in games and various house rules – like no running inside
the house.
Violating such rules does not necessarily affect one’s life or wellbeing.