Philosophy: Ethics and Morality

Whether put simply or scrutinized, morality cannot be defined simply by looking at it from one or two perspectives. One must acknowledge the fact that there are several different factors that affect judgment between “right” and “wrong”. Only after taking into account everything that could possibly change the definition of righteousness can one begin to define morality. Harriet Baber, a professor at San Diego State University, defines morality as “the system through which we determine right and wrong conduct”. Baber refers to morality as a process or method when she calls it a “system”. In saying “we” she then means to say that this concept does not only apply to her but also to everyone else. Through morality, according to her, one can look at an action, idea, or situation and determine its righteousness and its consequences.
To act morally means one must think and act in such a way that always considers, supports, and attempts to improve general welfare; furthermore, such thoughts and actions must occur because of moral intentions, not just because one has to. Also, pre-defined rules exist for the common good and these rules help with moral judgment. Such rules would include “no killing”, “no stealing”, and “no lying”. These don’t exist to provide an advantage or cause disadvantage—they exist simply for the good of every individual. To have morality means one must always adhere to these rules no matter the consequences, who is affected, or how it happens, because they only ensure the most good for everyone. However, one’s own standards for morality must also remain considerate of that of others’.
The term “ethics” discusses how one’s morality needs to take acknowledge that of the rest of the members of the group or community t...

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...onsideration before settling with one definition of morality. Because so many points, ideas, and fair arguments exist about moral theory, one cannot really come to one clear, concise definition of morality.

Works Cited
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Johnson, Robert, Johnson,. "Kant's Moral Philosophy." Stanford University. Stanford University, 23 Feb. 2004. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.
"Kant’s Ethics in Brief:." Kant’s Moral Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2013.
Plato. Republic. Trans. Robin Waterfield. Oxford [England: Oxford UP, 1993. Print.
Sweet, William. "Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." Bentham, Jeremy []. N.p., 11 Apr. 2001. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.
Velasquez, Manuel, Claire Andre, S.J., Thomas Shanks, and Michael J. Meyer. "What Is Ethics?" What Is Ethics? N.p., 2010. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.