Module 2: Morality and the
Law
Definition of Morality
Moral Theories
Moral Codes
Moral Standards
Guilt and Conscience
Natural Law
Conventional Law
Purpose of Laws
Morality and the Law
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Definition of Morality
A set of rules of right conduct
A system used to modify and
regulate our behavior
It includes virtues like:
– Love for others
– Compassion.
– Desire for justice.
Ethical and Social Issues - J.M. Kizza
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Morality …
It builds character traits in individuals.
It is group-based in the sense that it is a set of
shared rules, principles and duties applicable to
a group/society and independent of religion.
It has no reference to social standing of
individuals in the group
It is influenced by other factors like:
– Time
– place
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Moral Theories
1. Each group/society justifies its beliefs in the
system (set of rules of right conduct) using
theories- Moral Theories.
2. Moral theories seek to introduce a degree of
rationality and rigor into moral deliberations.
(plausibility)
3. The rationale for our decisions is based on
moral theories
4. Good decisions must ensure:
- sound reasoning
- Impartiality
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Moral Theories…
5. These must be guided through:
- Use of rational intuition- based on moral principles
- Use of reason to achieve the highest moral good
- Ability to distinguish between primary and secondary
moral principles ( general to more specific)
- Rational calculation of consequences of action based
on the decision
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Moral Codes
Rules or norms within a group or
society for what is proper behavior for
the members
Shared and behavioral patterns (for
survival of the group/society)
There are some cultural-free and
timeless moral codes
Moral codes exert control over actions of
members of that society or group
Compliance/adherence to the group’s
Social Issuesinvoluntary
- J.M. Kizza
moral codeEthical
is and
almost
6
Moral Standards
A moral standard is a special moral norm
that guides and enforces policy
Standards consists of:
– Enforcement of moral codes
– Self-judgment (Guilt)
Moral standards lax when enforcement
and self-judgment decline
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Guilt and Conscience
Morality as the system that sets standards for
virtuous conduct also contains judgment and
enforcement mechanisms
Guilt is an internal judging and enforcement
mechanism that consists of:
– Self-judging and punishing oneself for not living up to
the moral standards
– Self-forgiveness based on one’s set of “ moral
standards”
Conscience is the capacity and ability to selfjudge based on self moral standards
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Guilt and Conscience …
Conscience is motivated by one’s:
– Pride
– Compassion
– Empathy
– Love
– Personal identification
Conscience initiates one’s guilt feeling
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Law
Rules of conduct or actions recognized by
customs or decreed by a formal body and
enforceable by some instrument.
We obey two types of laws: Natural and
Conventional
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Natural Law
Unwritten but universal
consists of rights:
– Self-defense (preservation)
– Individual property
– Liberty
It is a higher form of human law, therefore,
independent of human preferences and applies
to all rational creatures of nature
Before organized human societies, humans
existed because of natural law.
Civilization is based on it.
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Conventional Law
It is a system of rules created by and for human
beings – through, though not always, public
deliberations
It varies from society to society
Its purpose is to:
– Protect human life, property and liberty.
– prescribe a system or punishments for unlawful acts –
Penal Code
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Morality and the Law
Laws are derived from moral codes
The differences are stated on pages 8 and
9.
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