Moral principles. Moral and ethical principles

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.

What are the specifics of moral standards?

There are certain differences between them against the background of such phenomena as custom or legal norm. There are often cases when morality does not contradict the law, but, on the contrary, supports and strengthens it.

Theft is not only punishable, but also condemned by society. Sometimes paying a fine is not even as difficult as losing the trust of others forever. There are also cases when law and morality part ways along their common path. For example, a person can commit the same theft if the lives of loved ones are at stake, then the individual believes that the end justifies the means.

History of the term "morality"

Moral qualities - what are they?

The term “morality” originates from the Latin word “mores” - tradition, custom, morality. The ancient Romans translated the word as “conformity to good traditions.” In the 18th century, a similar word was used in French and meant “equal to the law, legitimate.” Thus, the etymology of the words morality and morality are synonymous.

It is not precisely established when moral laws became firmly established in human society. In literature, already in one of the parables of King Solomon, a clear system of applying moral norms is described. During Homer's life, society was well aware of conscience, virtue, honor, and legality. Confucius called on his contemporaries to be humane, merciful, and respectable. Cicero considered the simple concepts of law and morality inseparable, and coined the definition of “morality.” Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato and Kant also raised questions of morality in their contemporary society and gave examples of highly moral behavior by the standards of that time.

Over the centuries, many scientists and philosophers have dealt with issues of moral norms, expressed their thoughts on this topic, and formulated new concepts of moral norms. In addition, social science shows that at different times and individual social groups, moral rules and norms were different.

Morality in the 21st century

Human resource management - what it is, principles and functions of the process

Currently, moral principles are increasingly being declared archaic or classified as prejudices. It is believed that modern moral norms must be scientifically substantiated, sufficiently reasoned, and subject to logic. Current society does not accept many rules of morality only on faith without an evidence base. However, personal moral standards are formed for each person based on his worldview and personal beliefs.

Important! The biblical 10 commandments are relevant and universal to this day and are not denied by modern adherents of logical morality.

The eternal struggle between good and evil

Morality and religion: what do they have in common?

When the institution of religion was strong, it also played an important role in the formation of moral principles. Then they were presented under the guise of a higher will sent down to earth. Those who did not fulfill God's command committed sin and were not only condemned, but were also considered doomed to eternal torment in hell.

Religion presents morality in the form of commandments and parables. All believers must fulfill them if they claim purity of soul and life in heaven after death. As a rule, the commandments are similar in different religious concepts. Murder, theft, and lies are condemned. Adulterers are considered sinners.

Basic functions of morality

Human motivation - what is it?

Morality is a set of norms and rules that determine the nature of relationships in society. Morality has certain functions:

Cognitive – teaches the skills of analyzing the actions of other people according to moral values.
Educational – shapes the individual’s personality, his worldview and personal concepts of good and evil.
Value-oriented – forms life values and moral goals for each person, lays down the concept of the meaning of life.
Regulatory – regulates the activities of an individual, taking into account the needs of surrounding people and the whole society.

Structure of morality:

Moral rules are moral laws that determine a person’s behavior in society, his attitude towards himself and other people.
Moral principles are a form of expression of moral standards accepted in a given society.
Moral ideals are an example of high moral requirements that can be instilled in a particular individual.

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.

Classification of moral principles

Moral principles are recognized by a person as an indisputable line of behavior that determines the nature of relationships in society.

Moral principles can be classified as follows:

The principle of humanism is the highest human value, expressed in love for one’s neighbor, protection of dignity, recognition of the right to a happy existence and self-realization.
The principle of altruism is a moral norm that calls for providing disinterested assistance to those in need. The opposite of altruism is egoism.
The principle of collectivism is the possibility of joint coexistence to achieve a common goal. It consists of cooperation, mutual assistance, and democracy. Impossible to implement without discipline.
The principle of justice is equal rights and freedom for all members of society. Social and economic benefits are available to everyone without exception and are distributed depending on the amount of effort made by each individual.
The principle of mercy is the willingness to sympathize and help everyone in need, regardless of their social status and appearance.
The principle of peacefulness is based on the recognition of human life as the highest value. It assumes respect for national and regional characteristics and state sovereignty. Proclaims the right to a peaceful life.
The principle of patriotism is love for the Motherland, care for it, readiness to defend it from enemies, pride in state achievements, respect for history and respect for national property.
The principle of tolerance is the acceptance of the diversity of cultures without the desire to suppress or correct them.

Lend a helping hand to someone in need

High moral principles

The main thing for a person is not only to know moral standards, but also to rely on them in practice. Conscious application of moral norms and rules allows us to call a person highly moral.

High moral principles can be assigned the following characteristics:

“Allowed” is a person’s internal beliefs that cannot harm anyone.
“Necessary” or “must” - performing actions that can help another person, sometimes to the detriment of one’s own interests.
“Prohibited” are actions that are condemned by society and entail administrative or criminal prosecution.

Important! Moral principles are formed throughout a person’s life and can change as experience and knowledge accumulate.

High moral ideals

Moral principles of communication

Communication ethics offers the following moral norms and principles:

priority of other people's or public interests over personal ones;
conscious avoidance of using life's benefits for the sake of achieving a set goal;
tackling complex social problems and working under extreme conditions for higher goals or ideals;
responsibility and free care for those in need;
building relationships with members of society based on kindness and benevolence;
politeness and respect for the interlocutor, the use of generally accepted ethical standards;
communication is a two-way process, not a monologue, each participant makes some contribution to it;
equality of parties participating in communication, regardless of gender, age, social status;
sincerity in expressing feelings, truthfulness of transmitted information;
clarity and accessibility for all participants in communication;
consistency and correct order of communication elements (question - answer, incentive to respond).

Thus, the moral and ethical principles of communication are based on mutual assistance and mutual trust.

Moral standards of communication

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.

Protect yourself and others

Sometimes selfishness reigns in the soul of a person, which then devours it. The funny thing about this unpleasant phenomenon is that a person expects too much from others and, not receiving it, considers himself useless and worthless. That is, the road from narcissism to self-flagellation and suffering on this basis is not so far.

But everything is very easy - learn to give joy to others, and they will begin to share the benefits with you. By developing moral and ethical standards, society can protect itself from traps into which it itself will fall.

Different groups of people may have different sets of unspoken rules. Sometimes an individual may find himself caught between two positions from which to choose. For example, a young man received a request for help from both his mother and his wife. In order to please everyone, he will have to break up, in the end someone will say in any case that he acted inhumanely and that the word “morality” is apparently unknown to him.

So moral standards are a very subtle matter that you need to understand thoroughly so as not to get confused. Having some behavioral patterns, it is easier to build your own actions on their basis. After all, you need to be responsible for your actions.