Distinctions Between Animal and Human Conduct

Animal Behavior

Behavior is fixed, unchanged, driven by instinct, and actions are not considered moral.

Human Behavior

Overt behavior is plastic and variable. Our behavior is based on learning. We are moral beings who strive for the good life.

Etymology

• Moral: The moral behaviors and norms of a person, group, or society.
• Immoral: Behavior addressed as wrong toward an individual or a company.
• Amoral: Means outside the sphere of morality.
• Ethics: The ethics pertaining to a profession or a trade.

Source of Ethics

The ethic born 2500 years ago (V BC) in Athens was due to democracy, increased trade, and the appearance of Socrates, the founder of ethics. Socrates was convinced that humans possess a common nature knowable by reason and that we can improve.

Item 2: Norms and Laws

When a value is very important, it becomes a norm—a statement showing how to act in a specific situation (e.g., in an office). If the norm is not met, there is a penalty. When this rule is even more important, it becomes a law, a rule imposed by an authority with the power to legislate.

Construction of the Moral Structure

Instruments:

Minimum moral units, the most visible elements of behavior, are essential but not sufficient; they fall into habits or attitudes:

• Habits: A stable predisposition to act in a certain way. When a habit is inclined toward what is right, it is called virtue; when inclined toward what is wrong, it is called a vice (or habit toward evil).
• Prejudices: Phrases that contain an implied valuation not clearly spelled out, yet treated as if it were a proven fact.
• Empathy: Not only understanding but also sharing feelings.

The set of masks which the individual carries throughout the day to be hidden and shown.

Stages of Moral Development (Children)

• 0–2 Years: Rating: Good and bad are defined by that which meets their needs.
• 2–10 Years: Assimilation of norms, customs, and laws. Learning to be repressed and to resign oneself.
• 10 Years and Up: Growth (autonomy): Independence (learning to think and be by oneself).

Heteronomy

• Relations are conditioned by affection or fear.
• People are judged based on superiority or inferiority.
• Rules are obeyed by mandate or obligation.

Autonomy

• Relations are guided by respect.
• People judge themselves from a position of equality.
• Rules are met by personal conviction and respect for others.