What's the point of morals?

[Prince_Imrahil]

I'm not talking about a universal moral system, but for yourself, IF you choose to follow a code of morals you made for yourself, what is the reasoning behind this? What makes you want to be a person of integrity?

1. Because of personal benefit?

Meaning that you do so only because doing so leads to your gain, and the consequences of immoral actions may affect you negatively.

2. Because of personal benefit and benefit to your loved ones?

Meaning that you look out for your interests as well as your kin and close friends, because you care about them and their interests as well (though dont you care about their interests because they are related and part of your interests? ie family gives you support, children carry on your genes)

3. Becasue doing so benefits humanity as a whole?

Becasue you realize that humanity requires our cooperation to keep existing.

4. Because what benefits humanity as a whole benefits you best?

Because you realize that humanity requires our cooperation to keep existing, which means you need to cooperate to keep existing (at least comfortably) as well.

5. Other with explanation if you please?

 

[puglover]

I practice my moral code because I was created for that purpose. And fufilling our purposes will be what's best for all of us in the end.

 

[El_Machinae]

Numbers 1 through 4 all easily apply and are not exclusive. I can state this because each of the reasons resonate with me.

I would state that 4 most closely approaches my reasoning; I believe that mutual and synergistic effort is the long-term game-winning strategy.

 

[Prince_Imrahil]

Really it boils down to do we follow morals for OUR personal benefit or for the good of humanity first and foremost? The implications of this question, actually I think I'll make another poll for....

 

[puglover]

Numbers 1 through 4 all easily apply and are not exclusive.

Sort of. Many have moral codes that involve self-sacrifice or traditions that wouldn't necessarily benefit the person practicing those laws.

 

[punkbass2000]

Numbers 1 through 4 all easily apply and are not exclusive. I can state this because each of the reasons resonate with me.

I would state that 4 most closely approaches my reasoning; I believe that mutual and synergistic effort is the long-term game-winning strategy.

I agree with this post.

 

[Prince_Imrahil]

Meaning therefore our obligation is not for 'humanity' but for ourself, and luckilly for humanity whats best for us is whats good for the species...

 

[punkbass2000]

It's not lucky, no.

 

[Prince_Imrahil]

Not lucky becasue its a shame we're not naturally altruistic or not lucky because it humanity prevails?

 

[punkbass2000]

It's simply not an issue of luck. What's best for us is best for humanity and vice versa. This fact is about as lucky as the fact that the sun shines. Necessary, yes, but really "luck".

 

[Prince_Imrahil]

I see your point, and true enough, our motives might not be the good of humanity and just the good of ourselves, but when all of humanity is working for that motive, and working together because we realize thats whats beneficial to our own good, it all works out, and while our motives are self-serving, the product of that is rather cooperation and morality.

 

[punkbass2000]

Exactly. When people realize that acting ways which are generally regarded as "selfish" are not actually beneficial, much good will come.

 

[Bozo Erectus]

I dont know what morals are, but I know whats stupid and what isnt.

 

[Phlegmak]

Social cohesion.

 

[Nylan]

ask God, he knows better than I do

it would partially be to keep mass chaos in check, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[JohnRM]

Morals are nothing, but your chosen opinion on certain standard questions. They are called "Morals", because they are supposed to be the right thing. I choose what I feel is right, because I have a general love for all mankind. I make exceptions for murders, child molesters, and other scumbags. Because of this, I want to do anything that I can practically do to increase the happiness and well-being of others. That is the purpose for my morals.

 

[History_Buff]

So called "moral values" go back to the old rules that hold communities together. As such, they provide a code of conduct so we're not always trying to kill each other, because people can be real *******s when we act without thinking.

In the old days, it was Caveman kills animal, Cavewoman raises children. Nowadays things are different, but the same kinds of things still show up. Someone has to raise the kids. Someone has to ensure their family gets fed. Don't murder your neighbor because he has a nicer car than you. Helping a potential rival is a bad thing to do.

It's all about social cohesion, and is a product of human evolution.

 

[Irish Caesar]

I don't do it for gain or respect, it's a personal conscience thing. I do what I think is right simply because I think it is right.

 

[Prince_Imrahil]

but what makes it right? That you're helping others, preventing harm from others, serving others, or serving yourself?

 

[WillJ]

I have morals because I have empathy, which stems from biochemistry. Of course, all of the poll options are also correct, for the very reason that I just stated. (In some cases, what's best for others is best for me even without any empathy being necessary, but this isn't always the case.)