The Foundations of Morality: Freedom, Character, and Ethical Standards

Freedom, Responsibility, and Morality

Freedom is what makes human beings responsible for their actions. This inherent freedom forms the basis of morality, allowing us to judge our own actions and those of others.

When an individual acts in accordance with accepted standards, they are considered a moral person. Conversely, if one freely chooses to disregard rules, such as breaking cycling regulations, their action would be deemed immoral. An amoral person, however, is one who lacks a moral sense or is indifferent to moral considerations.

Understanding Morality

Morality can be understood in two primary ways:

• Morality as Content: This refers to the code of standards that regulate individual and collective actions, defining what is considered correct or proper.
• Morality as Structure: This is the inherent human capacity or trait we possess by nature, enabling us to develop and adhere to moral principles.

Habit and Character in Morality

Within the realm of morality, two key concepts are habit and character:

• Habit (First Nature): This is the ingrained way of acting based on previously experienced situations. Habits are considered a fundamental part of the socialization process.
• Character (Second Nature): This is the cumulative set of an individual's habits. Our character is continuously shaped by everyday occurrences. If a significant change occurs, such as a profound personal transformation, one's character can be altered.

Character is considered the foundation of morality, as it fundamentally determines our actions and choices.

Moral Standards and Dimensions

Moral standards provide frameworks for ethical behavior:

• Standard: A rule that guides us on how to act in a way that is considered best for everyone.
• "Is" (Descriptive): Refers to all that exists, often derived from nature or observable reality.
• "Ought" (Prescriptive): Refers to what should be, based on moral imperatives or what is considered the best course of action. This concept often comes from moral reasoning.

Moral imperatives often use the imperative mood, emphasizing that our actions are free and that we have the freedom to choose what we believe is best.

Dimensions of Moral Standards

• Social Dimension: These are the rules and norms created by society to facilitate coexistence and order.
• Personal Dimension: These are the internal rules and principles we hold for ourselves, which we believe are best for everyone, reflecting our individual conscience.

The Process of Moral Maturity

Moral development typically progresses through distinct stages:

• Pre-conventional Stage: Develops in childhood, characterized by selfishness and individualism, where actions are often motivated by self-interest or avoidance of punishment.
• Conventional Stage: Develops in adolescence, based on the acceptance of social norms, gregariousness, and communitarianism, where conformity to group expectations is key.
• Post-conventional Stage: Develops in adulthood, marked by the ability to create one's own ethical rules and principles, often reflecting utilitarianism or universal ethical principles.

Moral Values

Moral values are fundamental beliefs that guide our actions and judgments. They are characterized by:

• Polarity: Values exist in pairs of opposites, such as positive values (e.g., honesty, kindness) and negative values (e.g., dishonesty, cruelty).
• Ideal Character: Values represent ideals that we strive to achieve or embody.

Values can be understood as both objective (inherent properties found in things or actions) and subjective (their significance varies for each person and situation).

Currently, there is often discussion about a crisis of values, attributed to cultural and moral decay.