(no subject)

[technoir]

So feeling a particular notion of philisophical exploration lately and being of an instrospective nature I have come accross a question I thought I would share.

What is the highest example of morality?

Is it sacrifice?
Is it the pure love of a parent for a child?

What constitutes a pure example of morality in it's highest form?

I realize this can be a farcicle question in some respects. But the answers can be telling about the people who give them.

TechNoir

Comments

[dramakeen.livejournal.com]

highest example of morality? probably giving mercy to those who do not deserve it.

[technoir.livejournal.com]

is it morality or being weak. There are some who might chalk it up to weakness. What if the mercy is shown do to the person being just tired of cruelty? Is that mercy or laziness?

[dramakeen.livejournal.com]

I consider it morality showing it's evil face. Yes, some would consider it weak. Sometimes both go hand-in-hand.

Re: 2nd -- Laziness.

[lilisonna.livejournal.com]

As I do not define morality as a single unit, I find this question hard to answer. Morality, as defined by Websters refers tothe relation of conformity or nonconformity to the moral standard or rule; quality of an intention, a character, an action, a principle, or a sentiment, when tried by the standard of right, and thus can not really be defined by any one specific act. It exists as a code of conduct defined by a number of acts and principles. The truly moral person would demonstrate this by a consistency of action and behavior.

[technoir.livejournal.com]

so there is no such thing as moral act? You can only have a pattern of morality?

What about evil?

We will all aknowledge there are evil acts in the world. Can a single act of not be judged by the standard of right and be found to be an example of moral action?

[lilisonna.livejournal.com]

What about evil? And who defines the standard of right? The culture? Something internal?

You did not ask about moral acts; you asked for the highest example of morality. If you want the highest example of a moral act, I would say that it would be doing what you personally know is right in the face of overwhelming opposition.

[technoir.livejournal.com]

I would think an act is a good exple of principle. A moral act an example of morality and an evil act vice versa.

So for you the example would be sticking to an internal morality, rather than the external standard?

like i said the answers say alot about the people giving them.

TechNoir

[aetatis.livejournal.com]

caveat: I am no kind of philosopher. This is just me thinkin' aloud.

In my worldview there is no such thing as a "highest example" of morality. Sure, we can look at acts that we call good and say that one is more significant or has a greater effect than another. Defending a kitten from a thunderstorm is good, and developing a vaccine for Polio is good. Absolutely, the second act has larger ramifications -- but they're both good.

I'm all for analyzing the qualities of different moral choices, but *measuring* one against another in terms of pureness or greatness is something I avoid.

So I guess my answer is that I can't answer your question. I could provide a List of Cool People / Acts / Sentiments that I think are worthy of emulation or thought or respect, but I think that's different from what you're looking for.

[technoir.livejournal.com]

Honestly all I am looking for is the exploration of the notion. Like I said the answer is pretty telling about the answerer.

The thruth is I dont believe there is such a thing as one perfect example of much of anything. I believe honestly doing right is less about I did more or less than you than it is about intent.

I ask the question did I try to leave the place a beter place than it was when I got here.

This little mental exercise was oriented to seeing how people addressed it really.

So far there are a lot of answers which boil down to situational and conditional factors. No one at least in my circle of people appears to believe in absolutes.