Literature
The Duties of a Moral Person in a Multicultural World
The Duties of a Moral Person in a Multicultural World
Throughout history, philosophers and theologians have developed numerous guidelines pertaining to the conduct of a moral person. One notable example is philosopher W.D. Ross's The Right and the Good, published in 1930, which outlines what he calls 'prima facie' duties—ethical responsibilities that, while not absolute, provide a framework for moral behavior. These include fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, non-maleficence, and self-improvement.
Prima Facie Duties Defined
Prima facie duties are obligations that are compelling unless a more compelling duty arises. For example, the duty of fidelity (keeping a promise) can be overridden by the duty of non-maleficence (not causing harm) if breaking the promise would result in significant unforeseen harm. Ross's duties of beneficence (promoting the well-being of others) and non-maleficence (acting to prevent harm) are often considered the most fundamental.
Contesting the Prima Facie Duties
Consequentialists argue that these duties are ultimately justified by their outcomes rather than their inherent rightness. They suggest that any of these duties can be overridden by a greater good, which has led to the primacy being given to beneficence and non-maleficence.
For instance, if keeping a promise would result in significant harm that was not anticipated, it may be ethically justifiable to break the promise. This approach highlights the flexibility and adaptability of moral principles in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
Personal Obligation: Never Harm Others
While philosophers provide these general guidelines, personal integrity often guides an individual’s behavior. For myself, one of the primary obligations is to never do anything that would harm or adversely affect others or their property. This maxim has served as a guiding principle throughout my life.
Moral Responsibilities Towards God
Moral responsibilities within the context of religious beliefs are often expressed in sacred texts. In the Bible, for instance, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists behaviors that would disqualify individuals from inheriting God's kingdom. However, it is crucial to note that this list reflects a specific set of beliefs and does not necessarily apply universally.
“‘Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who practice homosexuality, men who promote homosexuality, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God.’ But then Paul goes on to say that ‘some of you were once like that. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.’”
This biblical verse highlights the importance of repentance and change, but it also stresses that this list is not a universal standard and can vary greatly among different faiths and individuals.
Subjectivity of Moral Obligations
Historically, various religions and faiths have provided specific moral duties or guidelines. These duties can range from the observance of religious rituals to the practice of kindness and charity. However, the idea of a universal set of duties under the banner of "morals" is highly contested.
Morals are subjective constructs that can and do vary from one individual to another and from one culture or faith to another. This subjectivity makes the notion of a universal standard for moral behavior problematic. As one philosopher puts it, 'Morals are useless as a standard for determining the things "Everyone" ought to do!'
Hence, the final statement encapsulates the essence of moral relativism: “Whatever the Hell your God or your church TELL YOU TO DO! Those are your duties!”
Conclusion
Ultimately, the obligations of a moral person in a multicultural world are deeply personal and context-specific. While philosophical and religious texts provide frameworks, the practical application of morality often depends on individual beliefs, cultural norms, and personal integrity.