Morality DBQ

DBQ

“Moral requirements are based on standards of rationality” (Johnson). Rational thinking allows us to determine right from wrong. This conscious decision leaves one with a choice of whether or not to act upon it. Understanding that a certain action, or lack thereof, will lead to negative consequences yet deliberately choosing such action is the bases of moral culpability. However, subjectivity of ethics and philosophies such as utilitarianism prove that moral culpability is entirely 2-dimensional and cannot account or explain the wide range of conflicting morals and ethics. An action can not be convicted as morally culpable because morals are entirely subjective and cannot be classified as right or wrong.

It is human nature to view a

In theory, this philosophy “rejects the idea that reality is ultimately determined by a personal opinion or social convention” and “advocates the virtues of rational self-interest” (Harnes). At first these ideals don’t seem entirely flawed. “Independent thinking [and] productiveness”(Harnes) are important traits and qualities man should possess. However, the major flaw in this philosophy is the belief that an individual's fate is determined by the choices they make, not the circumstances they are in. The idea that it is impossible to “achieve goals by wishing, voting, or praying” but by “enact[ing in a] cause” (Harnes) completely disregards the limitations individuals may have based on their socio and economical situations. Objectivism is a philosophy that only appeals to the elite and rich, while casting out those living in harsher conditions that simply cannot risk actions that their richer counterpart can. The entire philosophy is based off of the lack of moral culpability an individual has, yet paradoxically proves the concept as being entirely real. Those who “correspond to the facts of reality” (Harnes) are morally acceptable and those who “do not” (Harnes) are morally culpable for their