Opinion | How to define Objective Morality
Objective morality, a philosophical quandary that eludes easy definition, plunges us into a labyrinth of intricacies and uncertainties. This elusive concept remains intimately intertwined with the tapestry of one’s individual experiences, cultural background, and personal history, making it a profoundly subjective notion. The complexity deepens as we recognize that every individual possesses inherent biases, further complicating our quest to establish a universally accepted standard for what qualifies as objectively moral.
However, upon closer examination, a compelling perspective emerges — one that tethers objectivity in morality to the noble pursuit of conditions that favor the betterment of humanity as a whole. This notion hinges on the belief that objectivity in morality aligns with actions and choices that significantly contribute to the overall well-being of our species.
Yet, the path to discerning what genuinely benefits humanity is far from straightforward. It is an intricate, often perplexing endeavor. Unearthing what is undeniably in our collective best interest proves to be a Herculean task, one that at times teeters on the brink of impossibility. The moral terrain, riddled with ambiguity and laden with conflicting interests, makes it a formidable challenge to ascertain a definitive moral compass.
Nevertheless, there are moments when moral clarity emerges from the fog of uncertainty, and our objectives become discernible. This clarity often materializes through the diligent exploration of diverse moral dilemmas and the thoughtful consideration of their long-term implications. In doing so, we begin to identify discernible patterns in human behavior and societal structures, patterns that tend to yield positive outcomes. In these instances, we glimpse actions and choices that resonate with the essence of what might be considered potentially moral.
Now, let’s venture further into the realm of objective morality and its practical applications, considering, for instance, the act of stealing. From an objective standpoint, stealing is unequivocally deemed morally wrong, as its widespread acceptance and practice portend the gradual erosion of societal trust, stability, and, eventually, the cataclysmic collapse of a community.
Stealing is not merely an act of material deprivation but also a transgression against the fundamental principles of mutual benefit and symbiotic relationships within a community. By infringing upon the rights and possessions of others without their consent, the act of stealing disrupts the delicate equilibrium essential for the harmonious coexistence of individuals within a society, thereby causing harm to the very fabric of that community.
This illustrative example underscores the inextricable link between objective morality and the well-being of humanity. It spotlights how certain actions, such as stealing, can be objectively classified as immoral due to their potential to disturb the social order and corrode the bedrock of trust and cooperation — foundational elements for the creation of favorable conditions for humanity as a whole. In this context, it becomes evident that there are virtually no identifiable social benefits to theft in most circumstances.
However, the complexity of objective morality is compounded by our need to consider the scope of social impact concerning time and the size of the community under scrutiny. What might appear to be somewhat beneficial to a very limited group within society could, upon closer examination, be perceived as detrimental to the vast majority due to its broader, long-term ramifications. The interplay between these dynamics adds an additional layer of intricacy to the pursuit of an objective moral framework. Though, by the definition created, something that is objectively moral would be beneficial to humanity in the long-run.
This concept goes beyond individual interests, extending far beyond the pursuit of personal financial success or the fulfillment of desires. An illustrative example is the realm of drug use. While some may perceive drugs or similar intoxicants as beneficial due to their ability to alleviate stress, this perspective ultimately proves to be shortsighted.
Intoxication, be it through substances or other means, fundamentally involves an external reliance for psychological coping. It entails a utilization of one’s own dopamine receptors to induce artificial happiness. Dopamine, in its natural role, exists as a biological and survival mechanism designed to steer humans toward activities and behaviors that promote their well-being. However, when intoxication is involved, this mechanism is artificially exploited, leading to harm rather than benefit.
Moreover, the peril of addiction looms large in the context of intoxication. The reliance on substances weakens one’s capacity for emotional self-regulation and self-control, rendering individuals less resilient when they are not under the influence of the substance.
Contrastingly, if an individual can effectively manage and regulate their emotions without resorting to intoxication, they emerge as a stronger and more empowered individual. This self-sufficiency fosters emotional resilience and a deeper sense of personal power, underlining the broader perspective that true well-being and strength are not found in external crutches but in the mastery of one’s own emotions and psyche. It also has a positive impact on society by allowing for you to be stronger and more present for those who rely upon you.
Therefore, it is reasonable to argue that intoxication, with its detrimental effects on one’s psychological and physiological well-being, is not in alignment with objective morality. This stance illustrates that narrowly focused views on what may seem like a positive impact do not necessarily apply when determining what can be considered objectively moral. In essence, the myopic perspective of immediate stress relief through intoxication does not hold up under the broader scrutiny of objective moral principles.
In conclusion, the pursuit of objective morality is a complex exploration that delves into the intricate relationship between individual subjectivity and the broader well-being of humanity. While the precise definition of objective morality remains elusive, it becomes evident that it is closely tied to actions and choices that promote the collective welfare. The complexities of this quest become apparent when we recognize that actions affecting societal trust and harmony are incompatible with objective morality. Considering the long-term, large-scale societal impacts adds further layers of complexity to the ethical landscape. Additionally, the discussion surrounding choices that involve external reliance for emotional coping underscores the importance of self-sufficiency in nurturing personal strength and resilience. In this light, the argument can be made that objective morality is rooted in actions that ultimately contribute to the betterment of humanity, emphasizing the need to transcend immediate and self-serving perspectives. The path to objective morality, marked by its nuanced intricacies, calls for ongoing introspection and a comprehensive understanding of actions that genuinely serve the well-being of our species.
