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| Do we face a setting sun? |
In a recent editorial in The Atlantic, David Brooks wrote "Today we live in a world in which many, if not most, people no longer have a sense that there is a permanent moral order to the universe." He added, , "Individuals get to make lots of choices, but they lack the coherent moral criteria required to make those choices well."
That quote sent me in search of a definition of morality, and perhaps I should not have been surprised to find many definitions from which to choose. In today's world, different definitions might have been expected. I selected two examples from the possible choices, but you can find many others. The first definition of morality: " A code of conduct that, given specific conditions, would be endorsed by all rational people." And second, "A particular system of values and principles of conduct, especially one held by a specific person." Both of these definitions define certain limitations or conditions. As Brooks suggested, finding complete agreement about much of anything is difficult.
Even such a generally agreed belief--Thou Shalt Not Kill--has exceptions, including killing in self-defense, killing in war, killing in defense of others, and choosing who to abandon when only on can be saved.
The obvious importance of America's Freedoms is the inclusion of the Bill of Rights, yet our freedoms have limitations. The often-quoted example of those limits is the restriction that you cannot yell "Fire" in a crowded theater when there is no fire, because others might be injured trying to escape from the imaginary danger. That classic example is obvious, but the restrictions on Untruths verses Opinions is far more challenging to tie down.
Consider these examples of differences of opinions that involve types of morality.
Should those who did not want to be vaccinated or wear a mask during covid have been forced to do so? If they knowingly infected others, should they be responsible for the medical expenses or punishable for knowingly infecting others? Must children be vaccinated if their parents' faith opposes it? Is trans-gender eligible to be recognized for all reasons? Should capital punishment be practiced. Should cloning be practiced on humans or animals. Should animals suffer and/or die in experiments to aid humans. Should there be a death penalty? Should polygamy be sanctioned? Should Doctor Assisted Death be allowed in all states, with proper counseling and circumstances. Should a woman be responsible for her own body? Should wearing animal fur be prohibited?
This blog was not written to provide answers but rather to encourage refection on how to preserve a sense of morality, not only our own but a respect for others. We are a nation of many ethnicities, beliefs, traditions, and extreme differences of wealth. Generations of Americans have treasured our system of government, and the responsibilities entrusted to us. That freedom depends on our morality and a respect for the differences among others. Yet, defining morality is difficult.
This blog isn't about answers, but I believe reflection on the issues that we can see all around us is important. My personal reflection has reminded me that answers are complex, but that should not mean that today's world has become 'anything goes.' Neither does it mean that only my way is correct. Defining morality is complicated by the extreme differences and rapid changes between generations. Yet, if we cannot bridge all of these differences, defining morality may become impossible, and without morality a nation based on freedom faces perhaps more challenges than in any other time of our American history.
