Morality
Morality is a system of values placed upon certain actions and opinions. An example would be that some people think that the marriage of a man to another man is moral based on the principles of utilitarianism. However, others think that such a thing is immoral. Some people believe that marriage of any sort is amoral (without morality). Therefore, these people would have differing moral codes.
Morality based on evolving rules and self-awareness
Some biologists argue that morality grew out of behavioral rules shaped by evolution. They see social behaviors displayed by some primates as the precursors of human morality. They cite examples such as rhesus monkeys which, when given a chance to get food by pulling a chain that delivers a shock to another monkey, have been known to starve themselves for a considerable time.[1]
Dr. Frans de Waal argues that primates are social animals, and must constrain their behavior in order to live in a group. He maintains that these constraints have shaped behaviors from which human morality has emerged. He does not assert that chimpanzees are moral, but argues that emotional bases that can be observed among primates are the foundation for the evolution of human morality.
He points to the display of both empathy and self-awareness among apes, and asserts that human morality begins with a similar concern for others and the understanding of social rules about the treatment of others. [2]
Morality based on religion
Others see a close connection between morality and religion. As Thomas Brewton points out, things like the Ten Commandments or the Code of Hammurabi were sets of rules to establish moral behavior, enforced in the context of religion.[3]
References
- ↑ "Primates and Philosophers" by Frans de Waal
- ↑ New York Times: "Scientist Finds the Beginnings of Morality in Primate Behavior"
- ↑ The Conservative Voice: "Morality and Political Order" by Thomas Brewton