RUNNING HEAD: CLASSICAL THEORIES OF MORALITY

Morality and social responsibility

Classical theories of morality

Tracy K. Lewellen 7/22/2012

Classical theories of morality

The three classical theories of morality include the Nicomachean Ethics viewpoint by Aristotle, the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant and the Utilitarianism Theory of morality view by John Stuart Mill. Aristotle thought that a persons morals were based on their life as a whole and not on individual acts. In other words, the cumulative collection of actions over a lifetime would determine if a person was moral or not. This was known as the Nicomachean Ethics viewpoint. In modern times, this could be correlated to someone who was an upstanding moral citizen, but who suddenly acted out of character and committed an act of violence , for example a crime of passion or becoming temporarily insane and committing a crime. Aristotle thought the action that was an aberration should not be considered and only the lifetime of good works should affect the determination of whether that person was moral and good, or not. He felt that there were three particular types of life; one devoted to sensual pleasures, one seeking out political interests and the other being a life of thoughts (Arthur, J. and Scalet, S., 2009). Aristotles two primary thoughts explained in the Nicomachean Ethics viewpoint are that of 1) happiness and the good life, and 2)virtue and the mean (Arthur, J. and Scalet, S., 2009). In these explanations he speaks about the distinctions between pleasure and happiness, character and morality, virtue and honor. Aristotle believed that understanding morality hinged on studying human psychology and the full extent of human happiness (Arthur, J. and Scalet, S., 2009). Immanuel Kant believed a bit differently and felt that some actions were wrong now, and would always be wrong and that there was no justification for those specific actions. However, he also emphasizes that most decisions are based on a sense of duty and perhaps other peoples rights, and felt that those decisions took precedence over a certain action. In current times, this reminds me of police officers who had to evict people from their homes during the real estate

Classical theories of morality

bust recently. Police officers are sworn to serve and protect, and yet, they take orders from someone else and they had to put some people out on the streets, even if they didnt feel it was their job to evict people. They had to uphold the letter of the law which allowed loopholes to evict people, instead of the intent of the law, which was to prevent abuse of the home loan systems. Kant had three basic concepts of morality, the first being a sense of duty, the second being the sense of having the will to be moral without caring what is perceived by that act of will, and thirdly, a combination of the two which is understanding that duty is a necessary part of living in respect of laws. Immanuel Kant further gave us the terminology about a categorical imperative and hypothetical imperatives, explaining that categorical imperatives are clear cut specifications of a law and the consequences of following that law, whereas with a hypothetical imperative refers to possible specifications or results of an action. Both of these imperatives guide the will of the human spirit, and the sense of duty in pursuing morality. John Mills Utilitarianism Theory of morality is loosely based on a concept of the ends justify the means. In other words, actions taken for the greater good of mankindshould not be judged harshly if they cause a loss of life due to a war, or civil action. Another example would be when people justify the use of laboratory animals for testing by claiming the loss of an animals life is an acceptable loss as long as a new cure or drug is discovered that benefits mankind. Utilitarians also believe that sentiment and feelings are at the root of morality (Arthur, J. and Scalet, S., 2009).

Classical theories of morality

My actual morality was guided initially by my parents. However, since I grew up and left home some 33 years ago, I find myself blending a combination of the points in each theory to consistently maintain checks and balances in my own life. My sense of social responsibility was shaped by seeing the hard work and generous spirit of my mother, and the virtuous uplifting spirit of my religious father. My father exemplified the pursuit of morality through a sense of duty, whereas, my mother was moral by her inherent goodness and willingness to serve those less fortunate, regardless of the outcome. Most of our American society is generous and thoughtful. Many people volunteer and give of their resources to help others (Loeb, P., 1999). Yet, increasingly, Americans, myself included, are withdrawing behind specific self-imposed guidelines of how much we will volunteer or give of ourselves. It is as though we have worked out a formula in our minds of how much time, resources or acts of goodness we must do to achieve morality and we are not going to go beyond that. We are acting on our own behalf to seek a moral life, and not seeking to solve the world issues of overwhelming need. There is a spiritual imperative that guides morality and it is the final authority on what guides my own personal sense of morality. I observed the actions of my parents and that helped to shaped my thoughts on giving of my time and resources, however, there came a time when I had to form my own opinion about my spiritual obligations to seek morality. The bible is full of many statements and guidelines for morality. Other religious works and concepts in other religions are spelled out in volumes in libraries or written work. However, a common theme throughout all religions is the concept of treating others how you would like to be treated (Wilson, A., 1991). This is most commonly known as the Golden Rule and may be the simple answer to the worlds pressing problems of all types. Simply treat others how you would like to

Classical theories of morality

be treated. We could elaborate and say, treat others how you would like to be treated without regard for how it will benefit yourself. If we all followed this mandate, we would not be able to walk past anyone suffering or in need without helping or sharing what we have. This most simple of concepts, to me, is the essence of morality.

Classical theories of morality

References

Arthur, J., & Scalet, S. (Eds.). (2009). Morality and moral controversies: Readings in moral, social, and political philosophy. (8th Ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Loeb, P. R. (1999). Soul of a citizen: Living with conviction in challenging times (2nd Ed.). New York, NY: St. Martin's Griffin.

Wilson, A. (Ed.). (1991). The golden rule. In World scripture: A comparative anthology of sacred texts. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House. Used by permission. Wilson, A. (1998).World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House.