Understanding Moral, Legal, and Social Norms in Society

Understanding Moral, Legal, and Social Norms

In today's pluralistic society, the legitimacy of political power can only be configured as rational-legal. Procedures must be established to ensure the agreement of all members of society regarding rules of social order and rules of coexistence. There are different types of standards that guide the conduct of individuals in society:

• Moral rules have a universal requirement, indicating how anyone should behave if they want to behave humanly. Each person has to assume these rules consciously and freely, as they are binding in conscience. These rules are the area of morality.
• Legal standards are set by the authorities within each political community and are addressed to all inhabitants of the territory. They have the backing of political power, with the possibility of using force to ensure compliance. These standards constitute the scope of the law.
• Social norms are habits that do not have the status of moral standards or legal obligations. Examples include greetings, forms of dress, and etiquette. If we do not follow these rules, we can be punished with the rejection of others, and our behavior may be described as rude or impolite.

Justice, Law, and Social Life

With any standard, the question arises whether it is fair, if it is legal, and how much it is being met.

• When we ask whether a rule is right or wrong, we are considering a moral issue (moral legitimacy). This aspect focuses on ethics and requires clarifying our views of social justice. We will draw on the various theories of justice to address this.

Understanding Moral, Legal, and Social Norms

In today's pluralistic society, the legitimacy of political power can only be configured as rational-legal. Procedures must be established to ensure the agreement of all members of society regarding rules of social order and rules of coexistence. There are different types of standards that guide the conduct of individuals in society:

• Moral rules have a universal requirement, indicating how anyone should behave if they want to behave humanly. Each person has to assume these rules consciously and freely, as they are binding in conscience. These rules are the area of morality.
• Legal standards are set by the authorities within each political community and are addressed to all inhabitants of the territory. They have the backing of political power, with the possibility of using force to ensure compliance. These standards constitute the scope of the law.
• Social norms are habits that do not have the status of moral standards or legal obligations. Examples include greetings, forms of dress, and etiquette. If we do not follow these rules, we can be punished with the rejection of others, and our behavior may be described as rude or impolite.

Justice, Law, and Social Life

With any standard, the question arises whether it is fair, if it is legal, and how much it is being met.

• When we ask whether a rule is right or unfair, we are considering a moral issue (moral legitimacy). This aspect focuses on ethics and requires clarifying our views of social justice. We will draw on the various theories of justice to address this.