Morality?

What does it mean to you? And how does it affect your outlook on life and as well as other? To me Morality is very complicated because I have morals. Though when I'm angry and I can feel myself not be me when I'm angry, morals quickly go to shit. But, I control anger with ease so I can keep my morals in place for those who try to cross that line. Why do you think we need morality?

I think morals are an illusion. Take killing for example. Everyone knows killing is wrong, as life should be respected. But then there are states pro death penalty where the state kills criminals in your name. I also find them cumbersome, if someone acts Immoral,( doesnt hold your morals) theres a tendency to look down on them.

Posted by Lucriu
I think morals are an illusion. Take killing for example. Everyone knows killing is wrong, as life should be respected. But then there are states pro death penalty where the state kills criminals in your name. I also find them cumbersome, if someone acts Immoral,( doesnt hold your morals) theres a tendency to look down on them.

Good point. Unless one of your morals is that you shall only kill in self defense. But the again about those prisons. Killing someone is nothing more than giving them a shortcut out of prison. Letting someone rot in prison is more justifiable than executions.

Posted by JenLove
I agree, morals are an illusion. I feel like they limit people. I myself have struggled with my own. I do feel like some of them are very necessary though. They create some sense of structure which is very important in society. When they become excessively limiting and people start judging others because of differing moral standings though that's when it really becomes an issue. And of course when they begin to overshadow facts, that's a big problem.

Morality doesn't have to be a illusion if you are just that committed to your moral standings. Though in the event of a nuclear war or a civil war amongst ourselves, I believe our morality would go straight down the drain when all hell breaks loose.

Fucken great thoughts in this thread i need to come back to it when im not on my iphone so i can take apart all your arguements ^.^

Posted by JenLove

Posted by Sn1p3r187

Posted by JenLove
I agree, morals are an illusion. I feel like they limit people. I myself have struggled with my own. I do feel like some of them are very necessary though. They create some sense of structure which is very important in society. When they become excessively limiting and people start judging others because of differing moral standings though that's when it really becomes an issue. And of course when they begin to overshadow facts, that's a big problem.

Morality doesn't have to be a illusion if you are just that committed to your moral standings. Though in the event of a nuclear war or a civil war amongst ourselves, I believe our morality would go straight down the drain when all hell breaks loose.

And why does that happen? Because morality is an illusion. It's an illusion because we create it based on our perceptions and our view of reality, that's what I was referring to. Morals aren't factual, they're simply based on our beliefs. If you're committed to your morals, you're simply just choosing to live by the rules that you've created for yourself.

click to expand

Wait you're right. But, are you willing to follow the illusion should be the big question? I feel that is a reference to album somewhere.

Posted by Lucriu
Fucken great thoughts in this thread i need to come back to it when im not on my iphone so i can take apart all your arguements ^.^

Wow dude. (sigh) We start some really topics sometimes.

I meant to put "great" in the caption above

Morality is quite real.

I think the idea that it is an illusion is nonsense-- no offense intended, there, either.

The gist is that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us-- or, if you prefer, do the next right thing-- everything else (more or less) is legalism.

.02 😉

To me, morality is really just that inner compass in life that starts throwing out red alerts when you are or are about to do something that you don't feel is right. As someone else posted, some people have a tendency to look down on others when their behaviors don't match that person's own set of moral guidelines, which is a shame at times but I suppose it could also serve a purpose. It's natural for people to gravitate towards others who are likeminded and moral comparison is a good tool to do just that. So long as we aren't using morality to justify harming others, I don't seriously see that as a problem.

My own set of morals can be complex and counterintuitive at times. I don't believe in swearing in front of children or eating the meat of animals that I haven't had to hunt and face myself. While I support others' freedom to use them for defensive purposes, I hate guns because I don't see any honor in being able to point and pull a trigger to injure or kill someone in a way they can't defend against and that does not require having to look them in the face as the damage is done. And yet, at the same time, I have little to no hesitation about killing those who have killed others, or playing the same dirty games as others do in order to knock down persons whom I see as threats. Something along the lines of using evil to eradicate evil.

It's a complex thing for sure.

Morality is a reflection of a certain time, place and people. In a sense of society as a whole.
But I would not say that it is an illusion because by the same reasoning "TRUTH" is an illusion as well.

Especially in the Western world we have decided that rationality is important and that is why morality is important as well. Deciding what to do on a whim is not rational and we feel obliged to be consistent.
You cannot let your brother run free for something as horrible as rape while they neighbour needs to be hanged. That would be neither rational nor moral.

I have studied philosophy and I learned about some of the more important systems and ideas.
I find that I do not believe in 'Universal Moral Truths' as there are times when things like theft, violence and murder are justified.

So in the end I chose to go by the idea that everyone is free to do whatever they want as long as they do not interfere with me in a negative way.

Everyone's moral code of conduct are their own sense of right and wrong, brought forth and influenced by religion, culture and how you were raised, thus passed on by your parents and society. I believe in following good morals to build a healthy self esteem and solid reputation.

How far would your business go if you were known as a liar, cheat, whoremonger and thief?

Posted by truecap
Everyone's moral code of conduct are their own sense of right and wrong, brought forth and influenced by religion, culture and how you were raised, thus passed on by your parents and society. I believe in following good morals to build a healthy self esteem and solid reputation.

How far would your business go if you were known as a liar, cheat, whoremonger and thief?

Ask Silvio Berlusconi or some of the medieval popes.
Not that bad as long as you are still popular.

Posted by JenLove

Posted by Montgomery
Morality is quite real.

I think the idea that it is an illusion is nonsense-- no offense intended, there, either.

The gist is that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us-- or, if you prefer, do the next right thing-- everything else (more or less) is legalism.

.02 😉

No offense taken, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Even if sometimes their opinions are wrong 😄 lol Joking! I'm just being an asshole.

Let's examine this though. Morality is: a system of principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior that is accepted by a particular group of people.

What is right and wrong? Or good and bad? Things that are morally justifiable or unjustifiable. These are concepts that we created based on our perceptions and choose to follow and morality is completely based on these concepts therefore it falls into the same category.

What is an illusion? 1. A thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses. 2. A perception; having been altered subjectively in some way in the mind of the perceiver. Can we not say that morality fits into that definition based on what we have just established thus far?

click to expand

Nonsense.

Unless you are a sociopath, you inherently understand that is wrong to hurt innocent people.

And the "golden rule" is the simplest, and most universal expression of morality.


If you want to quote definitions, that's fine-- there are more beyond the one you listed.

But I'm gonna run with Standford's--

morality: normatively to refer to a code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by all rational persons.


Specified conditions = modern/Western civilization, which accepts these basic, ethical standards.

If "morality" is an illusion, then murder is only wrong because that is what the law dictates.

The idea is ridiculous.

Maybe you're thinking of dogma. 😉

What is the "Golden Rule"? I've never heard of it.

Some people would say that the death penalty and going to war is state approved murder though. Like we gave away our 'right' to murder someone to the larger part of society.

Posted by TigerCap


So in the end I chose to go by the idea that everyone is free to do whatever they want as long as they do not interfere with me in a negative way.

I also don't believe in "Universal Moral Truths', and used to feel I was very selfish thinking along these lines... but I found that I had to do this for self preservation.

I'm very open-minded but self-righteous as hell, sometimes I ponder how I can pull off such a duality. I blame it on all my Neptune... or Maybe because I was raised with a strong moral code in an environment that was the complete opposite of what was taught. Very "do as I say, not what I do." That kind of stuff hurts your brain.

Morality comes down to intent for me. If you do things that can/will cause emotional, mental or physical distress to another person with intent or for personal gain... unbeknownst to the other person(s) involved? then we are on different life paths and you will most likely will bring me pain over peace. I'll keep my distance.

I'm fascinated by people from all walks of life and have found those with the most genuine moral fibre are usually in the least likely places.
Like the prostitute that uses some of her earnings to pay for her grandmother's retirement home. The jobless guy with a bunch of kids he doesn't see or take care of... but has a brilliant mind and puts a smile on the face of everyone he comes into contact with. Or the guy how traffics drugs to support his wife and 3 children to be a stay at home father and coach his kid's little league.

I also think morality is something that will change along with you throughout your life.

ya, I see your point Purr, it's still a huge risk.

Which one is better, tho... having a father for 15 years who is physically "present" in your life but also happens to be emotionally and mentally toxic or unavailable. Or, having a father for half that time who was physically, emotionally and mentally there for you?

If put in a position of one or the other, I may choose quality of time over quantity.

Posted by TigerCap
What is the "Golden Rule"? I've never heard of it.

Some people would say that the death penalty and going to war is state approved murder though. Like we gave away our 'right' to murder someone to the larger part of society.

The Golden rule- Treat others the way you would want to be treated. I think that is a pretty big moral code think the Golden rule applies to everyone and bites like karma when it isn't used.

Morality isn't a black/white issue. There's a grey area there.

Is moral needed? Of course. Just like traffic lights, speed limits & laws are needed in order to lessen potential chaos

My definition of "morals" is the rules/laws you plan on abiding by & holding onto throughout life; these are things you learned from your childhood, your peers, your teachers, church leaders, etc.

Just b/c you make mistakes, hurt other people sometimes or don't always do the right thing doesn't mean you don't have morals. If a person makes a mistake BUT knew they were making a mistake in the moment, they only knew they were doing wrong b/c their inner morals (like the angel on their shoulder) was reminding them of right vs. wrong.

So just b/c someone chooses not to abide by their morals doesn't mean that they don't have morals that are deep rooted within them.

Anyone who has a conscious & intuition has morals. It's the angel on your shoulder that tells encourages you to do right in a situation, OR scolds you for doing wrong.

The only complex thing about morals is that sometimes saving yourself means hurting someone else. Sometimes doing right by yourself means doing wrong by somebody else; not b/c what you're doing is literally wrong, but b/c the other person "perceives" your actions as wrong (perception is reality)

Posted by Lucriu
I think morals are an illusion. Take killing for example. Everyone knows killing is wrong, as life should be respected. But then there are states pro death penalty where the state kills criminals in your name. I also find them cumbersome, if someone acts Immoral,( doesnt hold your morals) theres a tendency to look down on them.

I don't think killing is wrong... when it's my live(s) or yours. I believe in war... I will choose a side.

Some of the morals that were instilled in me are no longer my morals though, simply b/c I grew up, came into my own skin & realized that the only reason I believed in certain things was b/c I was raised to think that way

Sometimes you have to stop & ask yourself why you believe the things you do. Is it b/c your parents told you to during your childhood, thus they just kinda stuck with you? Or is it b/c you feel that a specific moral mentality actually makes sense & works for you in your own life? Two completely DIFFERENT things!

My parents always instilled in me that blood is thicker than water. I agreed until I got wronged by many family members growing up. Although I'm still all about family & being loyal, I no longer believe that just b/c you're blood related to someone that it gives them a pass to hurt you & be forgiven for it.

My morals now that I have set for MYSELF in regards to family is that anyone who loves me, is loyal to me & has proven themselves over a long period of time is my "family." If we just so happen to be blood-related then so be it

There's none of that "Oh you hurt me, betrayed me & keep doing it over & over again, BUT since we're technically blood related, I should just keep taking it & taking it and in fact should smile in your face & hold hands at family functions." lol nope!

Posted by Sn1p3r187
What does it mean to you? And how does it affect your outlook on life and as well as other? To me Morality is very complicated because I have morals. Though when I'm angry and I can feel myself not be me when I'm angry, morals quickly go to shit. But, I control anger with ease so I can keep my morals in place for those who try to cross that line. Why do you think we need morality?

Morality is relative. After all, we are all different in the sign of the Zodiac, and came into this world from different constellations. So, have a different fate? The mind is always justify their sin, because each has its own morality, which corresponds to your level of spiritual development. The highest morality is only a man. If morality was all the same, then this world would not be a world war, pillage and material gain.

Because forum should not be moderators and administrator, and the landlord may not have to ban other, because his morality can be very low, and it will always equate it to her morals?

Posted by SethAnhRaMoon

Posted by Sn1p3r187
What does it mean to you? And how does it affect your outlook on life and as well as other? To me Morality is very complicated because I have morals. Though when I'm angry and I can feel myself not be me when I'm angry, morals quickly go to shit. But, I control anger with ease so I can keep my morals in place for those who try to cross that line. Why do you think we need morality?

Morality is relative. After all, we are all different in the sign of the Zodiac, and came into this world from different constellations. So, have a different fate? The mind is always justify their sin, because each has its own morality, which corresponds to your level of spiritual development. The highest morality is only a man. If morality was all the same, then this world would not be a world war, pillage and material gain.

Because forum should not be moderators and administrator, and the landlord may not have to ban other, because his morality can be very low, and it will always equate it to her morals?

click to expand

To me my morals come from my parents. If I didn't have parents I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have the built in moral illusion within and I would have zero to no morals or I would have to use friends as a example of a moral code.