Human morality - what is it. Examples, structure and functions

The social system of the 21st century presupposes the presence of a set of certain legal and moral laws that create an unbreakable hierarchical system of moral and state standards. From childhood, caring parents explain to their child the difference between good and bad deeds, instilling in their offspring the concepts of “Good” and “Evil.” It is not surprising that in the life of every person, murder or gluttony is associated with negative phenomena, while nobility and mercy belong to the category of positive personal qualities. Some moral principles are already present at the subconscious level, other postulates are acquired over time, forming the image of the individual. However, few people think about the importance of instilling such values in themselves, neglecting their significance. It is impossible to coexist harmoniously with the outside world, guided solely by biological instincts - this is a “dangerous” path, invariably leading to the destruction of personal appearance.

In order not to experience a feeling of loneliness, you need to think about the need for socialization in a timely manner, learning to follow the moral laws of society. The rules for staying in a civilized structure differ from the hierarchical ladder of animals, because at the head of the system are not preferences, but obligations. In other words, when looking for food, we cannot go to the store and take food from the refrigerator - we have to go to work to get money and buy food. Representatives of the animal fauna would have done it much easier - they would have killed the weaker ones, providing themselves with the necessary amount of nutrients. Moral concepts guarantee us peace of mind and confidence in the future. In order not to become like animals in instinctive behavior and to reveal the significance of morality in a person’s life, it is important to determine in time the functionality of such a component of the inner world.

Morality - what is it?

The essence of this phenomenon was described by Mayakovsky in his famous poem about good and bad. There is a breakdown of the criteria of good and evil, how to act and what not to do. However, it should be taken into account that the author worked during the existence of the USSR, where communist ideology was present. For states of the bourgeois system, other norms of behavior “worked”. We can conclude that morality in social science is a set of rules of behavior and life that are approved by society.

Morality

Origin of morality

The term was coined by the ancient Roman scientist Cicero. Later, four approaches were formed to study the question of what morality is:

Religious . Its adherents believed that the source of morality is the absolute. To curb his passions, a person is forced to turn to God for help. Faith in him helps to follow the absolute rules of behavior.
Evolutionary . In the process of natural selection, a person acquires and inherits a certain line of behavior. According to this version, morality comes from the instinct of sociability of people.
Naturalistic . The root cause of morality is nature (either in general or in a person). The human mind defines natural moral values (including those within itself) as good or evil.
Cultural . Morality is one of the elements of society's culture.

Morality as a result of evolution

The basic moral principles of any time in the existence of society include the need to do good deeds and not cause harm to people, regardless of what position they occupy, what nationality they belong to, or followers of what religion they are.

The principles of norms and morality become necessary as soon as individuals interact. It was the emergence of society that created them. Biologists who focus on the study of evolution say that in nature there is also a principle of mutual utility, which in human society is realized through morality. All animals that live in society are forced to moderate their egoistic needs in order to be more adapted to later life.

Many scientists consider morality as a result of the social evolution of human society, being the same natural manifestation. They say that many of the principles of norms and morality, which are fundamental, were formed through natural selection, when only those individuals survived who could interact correctly with others. Thus, as an example, they cite parental love, which expresses the need to protect the offspring from all external dangers in order to ensure the survival of the species, and the ban on incest, which protects the population from degeneration through the mixing of too similar genes, which leads to the appearance of weak children.

How is morality formed?

Worldviews improve as any social system matures. The formation of morality depends not only on the maturity of social foundations, but also on nationality and race, on the geographical location of the region where society lives. What morality is in social science can be understood by tracing the pattern of development of society. In the primitive communal and subsequent early formations of people, the principle of Talion (a tooth for a tooth) prevailed. In modern Western-style societies, the main moral law is tolerance.

Moral requirements

Rules of conduct (give way to elders, do not lie, etc.)
Moral qualities (honesty, compassion, justice)
Moral principles (altruism)
Psychological mechanisms (conscience)
Moral values (kindness, happiness, etc.)
Moral culture is the extent to which an individual perceives the norms and values of the society in which he lives.

Morality is the confrontation between good and evil. Good is understood as a person’s attraction to maintaining interpersonal relationships and achieving perfection. Good is creative in nature, and evil is destructive (destroys social relations and personality from the inside)

Moral choice is the degree of freedom between choosing good and evil. The individual is responsible for the consequences not only to society, but also to himself.

Examples of morality

Whenever it comes to issues of moral behavior, there is an internal assessment of actions on a scale of good and evil. To say whether an action is moral or not, you need to take into account all the circumstances of the situation:

Tell only the truth, do not deceive anyone . However, the concept of morality will be absent if speaking truthfully can betray a friend.
Respect other people's right to their own lives . At the same time, euthanasia causes a mixed reaction in society.
Show generosity . However, giving too much can corrupt.
Be true . Shows of loyalty are moral as long as they do not turn into fanaticism.
Be a good citizen of society.
Live a selfless life . Altruism is the highest manifestation of morality. When moral responsibility for people goes beyond personal well-being.

Moral Traits

Morality, which is largely decisive for the regulation of life in society, has several main features. Thus, its fundamental requirements for all members of society are the same, regardless of position. They operate even in situations that are outside the area of responsibility of legal principles and extend to such areas of life as creativity, science, and production.

Norms of public morality, in other words, traditions, are significant in communication between specific individuals and groups of people, allowing them to “speak the same language.” Legal principles are imposed on society, and failure to comply with them carries with it consequences of varying severity. Traditions and moral norms are voluntary; every member of society agrees to them without coercion.

The structure of morality

The organization of social foundations has a complex multi-level structure. They can be formed in the following sectors:

Moral rules . They directly affect the relationships between people at the “lowest” social level.
Moral principles . This higher level is associated with the establishment of certain internal “laws” of the development of society. Their violation causes a negative reaction from the entire society.
Moral ideals . What is morality at this level? This is what a role model is and what this conglomerate of people strives for.

Morality concept

The study of morality is carried out by a science called “ethics”, which belongs to the philosophical direction. The discipline of morality studies such manifestations as conscience, compassion, friendship, and the meaning of life.

The manifestation of morality is inextricably linked with two opposites - good and evil. All moral norms are aimed at supporting the first and rejecting the second. Goodness is usually perceived as the most important personal or social value. Thanks to him, man creates. And evil is the destruction of a person’s inner world and the disruption of interpersonal connections.

Morality is a system of rules, standards, beliefs, which is reflected in people's lives.

Man and society evaluate all events occurring in life through the prism of morality. Political figures, the economic situation, religious holidays, scientific achievements, and spiritual practices pass through it.

Moral principles are internal laws that determine our actions and allow or do not allow us to cross the forbidden line.

Functions of morality

They help fulfill the main task: to protect against bad deeds. The main purposes include:

Integrative function of morality . Designed to harmonize the individual's state of mind.
Evaluation function . It is associated with a person’s ability to determine the criteria for his actions on the “good-evil” scale.
Regulatory function . She is responsible for setting social norms that must be followed.
Controlling function . This is a check of the compliance of an individual's behavior with the norms established in society.
Educational function of morality . This is a mechanism for learning to live in society: how to learn to reckon with other people. He teaches to understand and accept their needs and interests.

Custom

A moral norm is not only generally accepted, as a result of its derivation by some elite, it can also be a custom. It represents a repetitive pattern of actions that is especially important in order to maintain a certain position in society. In Muslim countries, for example, traditions are more revered than other moral norms. Customs based on religious beliefs in Central Asia can cost lives. For us, who are more accustomed to European culture, legislation is an analogue. It has the same impact on us as traditional moral standards have on Muslims. Examples in this case: a ban on drinking alcohol, closed clothing for women. For our Slavic-European society, the customs are to bake pancakes on Maslenitsa and celebrate the New Year with a Christmas tree.

Among moral norms, tradition is also distinguished - a procedure and pattern of behavior that is preserved for a long time, passed on from generation to generation. A kind of traditional moral standards, examples. In this case, these include: celebrating the New Year with a tree and gifts, perhaps in a certain place, or going to the bathhouse on New Year’s Eve.

Principles of morality

They are necessary for the formation of norms and rules that contribute to the correct development of social relationships. Basic principles of morality:

Taliona . Characteristic of the early stage of development of society. It says: "an eye for an eye." If any harm has been caused to a person, he must take revenge.
"The Golden Mean" . This means observing moderation in everything and not going to extremes. In relation to other people, you need to look for ways to compromise.
Morals . The principle involves observing God-given laws. Its main expression is found in the 10 commandments of Moses.
Prosperity . A person's actions should benefit as many people as possible.
Justice . It is based on the potential equality of all people before God. To each is measured according to his deeds.
Humanism . The set of norms of behavior boils down to the need to be tolerant and compassionate towards others. Living in society, it is advisable to strive to bring maximum benefit to it.

Lack of moral principles

Sometimes people are credited with having no concept of accepted moral standards. This impression can be formed if a person is not familiar with the moral laws of a given social group, and it is for this reason that he violates local taboos, and does not do it maliciously.

An absolute absence of moral principles is impossible - even the most primitive people have an understanding of what can and cannot be done. These concepts may differ radically from those generally accepted in a given society, then the individual is spoken of as an immoral or immoral person. In addition, if an individual stops developing his personality, setting goals and guidelines, then he begins to degrade. Along with it, the regression of formed moral norms and rules begins. Accordingly, a person feels like an inferior person and is even exposed to various diseases.

Interesting. Scientists from the University of California have proven that actions in accordance with accepted moral standards increase people's resistance to stress and strengthen their physical condition.

Thus, moral principles are something that has been formed over the years, is relevant for a particular society and for each person individually, without them the existence of society is impossible.

Categories of morality

These are general conceptual elements that describe this subject matter. Moral principles are based on them. Moral categories include:

good and evil as opposing criteria for evaluating phenomena;
justice is a measure of the distribution of benefits;
honor stands guard over compliance with a person’s internal code;
debt is something for which a person is responsible in life;
conscience is an indicator of critical assessment of actions;
happiness as a result of moral behavior.

Approaches to the Study of Morality

Naturalistic - comes from the complication of group feelings, ensures the survivability of the species in nature. Naturalists do not distinguish between the social and the biological; it is combined; there is no boundary between human and animal consciousness.

Religious-idealistic – God endowed humanity with morality.

Sociological - morality arises as a result of collective work activity and communication. The more complex social relationships, the higher the morality.

There are 3 moral foundations put forward:

Traditions, customs and mores are the cultural characteristics of a particular ethnic group (people). With the help of socialization, the customs and norms of a given society are assimilated, which become a habit that shapes the personal side of a person. As a result, all actions will be of the nature of “this is how it is accepted” or “this is not accepted.”
Public opinion is the regulation of norms of behavior through the approval or condemnation of other individuals in society. The reward for compliance with moral standards is honor, respect, recognition, and for violations - shame, isolation.
Personal consciousness is the consistency of personal and social interests. Conscience is the main regulator of behavior. Morality appears to be a form of self-regulation, being selfless and personal. The choice of actions is characterized by voluntariness.

Moral consciousness is the ideal of moral behavior in a particular society, which does not go beyond the boundaries of the ethnic group.

Moral norm - has a formative effect on the moral beliefs of the individual: self-improvement, honesty, courage, struggle for truth.

A moral norm is options for a person’s everyday behavior: which actions are acceptable in society and which are not.

Imperativeness is a property of moral norms. Expresses the meaning of the norm, since in one case a prohibition is allowed, and in another, positivity is attributed. For example: “don’t lie.” A set of norms is determined by a moral code.

In addition, the code includes value orientations:
Characteristics of personality actions;
The virtues of the individual, team, society;
Characteristics of public institutions;
Value concepts
Categories of morality - good and evil, justice.

Motivation, assessment, self-esteem - a regulator of social behavior. Motive encourages moral activity in order to satisfy the needs of the individual. Motivation is a complex of motives responsible for the priority of an individual’s values and goals.

Moral assessment – gives a value assessment of an individual’s actions and behavior depending on existing norms and values in society.

Conscience is moral self-control, expressed in the formulation of rules of behavior, their implementation and evaluation of actions.

Debt is how an individual relates to society.

Rules of morality

Each person has their own. Moral qualities depend on the level of personal development. However, humanity has developed universal rules of morality:

Golden rule: don’t do to someone else what you wouldn’t want them to do to you.
Be honest with yourself. This means being able to admit your own mistakes.
Put yourself in another person's shoes. This will help you feel people better.
Control the manifestations of negativity in yourself.
The first impression may be false. After all, what is morality if not the search for a deeper meaning.

How moral principles are formed

Moral principles are formed under the influence of religious teachings. Hobbies for spiritual practices are of no small importance. A person can independently formulate moral principles and norms for himself. Parents and teachers play an important role here. They endow a person with the first knowledge of the perception of the world.

For example, Christianity carries a number of restrictions that a believer will not cross.

Religion has always been closely connected with morality. Failure to follow the rules was interpreted as a sin. All existing religions interpret the system of moral and ethical principles in their own way, but they also have common norms (commandments): do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, do not commit adultery, do not do to others what you do not want to receive yourself.

What is immoral behavior?

This is a violation of moral principles, expressed in actions. Immoral behavior is directly related to weak spiritual and moral attitudes of the individual. Another reason is commitment to human vices. If an individual behaves immorally, it means that his parents and society did not instill in him certain standards of behavior that are considered moral in society. Further circumstances of life (the environment or being at the bottom of the social ladder) developed in him his own internal moral consciousness. It began to contradict morality in society.

What are moral principles

Moral principles are a form of manifestation of the internal moral requirements of a particular person, a group of people or an entire society. Human society is constantly transforming, and moral standards are changing along with it: what was considered unacceptable and reprehensible some time ago can now be considered normal and not cause condemnation.

The formation of moral principles is greatly influenced by religion, spiritual teachings, culture, education, and personal beliefs of each individual. Adhering to moral standards, a person will not allow himself to descend into the state of a wild animal, and will keep his instincts within certain limits accepted in a given society.

Law and morality - similarities and differences

Common features of these concepts:

Law and morality are intended to be regulators of social relationships. Both have social status.
Both systems in their modern form arose on the basis of development experience.
They are based on society’s ideas about good and evil, social justice.
They take into account the needs and interests of individuals in a specific manifestation (for example, protection of personality, property, life).

Morality and law differ in the following positions:

Moral standards arise in society itself. Legal laws create special bodies according to strictly regulated rules. They also control their implementation.
Moral standards are transmitted orally (rarely when specifically written down). Legal postulates are always spelled out in official documents.
What is morality if not a set of different meanings of existence for different strata of society. Legal norms are the same for all citizens. They do not allow for differences of interpretation.

Commandments of the Old Testament and modern society

When “understanding” the question of the meaning of moral principles and ethics in human life, in the process of research you will definitely turn to the Bible to familiarize yourself with the Ten Commandments from the Old Testament. Cultivating morality in oneself invariably echoes statements from the church book:

the events taking place are marked by fate, suggesting the development of moral and moral principles in a person (everything is the will of God); do not elevate the people around you by idealizing idols; do not mention the name of the Lord in everyday situations, complaining about unfavorable circumstances; respect the relatives who gave you life; Dedicate six days to work, and the seventh day to spiritual rest; do not kill living organisms; do not commit adultery by cheating on your spouse; You shouldn’t take other people’s things and become a thief; avoid lies in order to remain honest with yourself and the people around you; Don't envy strangers about whom you only know public facts.

Some of the above commandments do not meet the social standards of the 21st century, but most of the statements have remained relevant for many centuries. Today, it is advisable to add the following statements to such axioms, reflecting the features of living in developed megacities:

don’t be lazy and be energetic to keep up with the fast pace of industrial centers; achieve personal success and improve yourself without stopping at achieved goals; When creating a family, think in advance about the feasibility of the union in order to avoid divorce; limit yourself to sexual intercourse, remembering to use protection - eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancy, which results in abortion. do not neglect the interests of strangers, going over your head for personal gain.

The spiritual development of a person is a necessary process that helps to develop highly moral and moral qualities. The formation of personality involves going through a series of tests through temptations and temptations. Overcoming fears and controlling desires are two components to achieving your cherished goal. The main thing is to be prepared for the difficulties that arise and really want to achieve the desired result.

If you learn to exist in harmony with the outside world, observing conventional standards and adhering to state laws, then a feeling of inner peace and harmony appears. Moral principles, consistent with the behavioral characteristics and norms of society, are an effective way to change life for the better.

The golden rule of morality.

To make it clearer what morality is, let us turn to a rule that, as we reliably know from historical, religious and literary sources, has become widespread in all relatively developed cultures and among all peoples. We are talking about the so-called golden rule of morality. In its most famous form, it reads: “And whatever you want people to do to you, do so to them” (Gospel of Luke 6:31). In a broader ethical perspective of developed morality, the golden rule of morality has a double projection, expanding its potential ethical content. One projection is towards a historically and normatively undeveloped (“inverse”) form. And she points to the talion rule.

Moral and ethical standards

Moral and ethical standards are principles of human behavior arising from morality. The system of these rules developed in society allows one to avoid conflicts and maintain socially acceptable, adequate behavior. Fulfillment of moral norms is called a moral duty, non-compliance is called moral guilt.

A moral norm determines the level of culture, education, and consciousness of an individual. It implies respect for social principles and for people. The norm assumes that a person will obey it even against his own wishes, if this is prescribed by society.

The unity of moral and ethical standards is called the “moral code.” Its components: socially important requirements, individual consent to comply with regulations, conditions for the implementation of behavior.

An example of a highly moral course of action is compliance with moral standards in extreme situations: military operations, imprisonment, incurable illness.

Immorality is the denial of morality. Modern popular culture affirms the acceptability of actions that were previously considered immoral. There is a substitution of concepts, a loss of criteria for assessing what is happening. Immorality is a consequence of selfishness and permissiveness, lack of education.

Moral standards are immutable. Work on the formation of a person’s moral code is carried out through education, spiritual development, and enlightenment.

Differences between morals and ethics

Often the definitions of morality and morality act as synonyms. But the difference is still visible. Morality is, first of all, the external assessment of an action by family, society, and church. Morality is connected with a person’s self-awareness, with his inner beliefs.

A moral norm encourages a person to develop moral qualities in himself: humanity, the ability to help others, courage, patience. A moral norm is a theoretical ideal to which one must strive.

A moral norm serves as a means to help one navigate the social environment. It indicates which behavior options should be preferred and which ones to refuse. This is a practical refraction of the moral principles of the individual in his activities.