Moral Spheres - Term Paper Example

? Moral Spheres Moral sphere refers to the complete and comprehensive representation of morality and its sources. These spheres often display a combination of internal and external factors which largely influence an individual’s moral upbringing and overall ethical conduct. Internal and external factors are basically the parental and peer influence over an individual’s ethical behavior. We have come across various theories on morality put forward by the renowned scientists, researchers and authors. This paper aims to investigate the theories on morals given by Peter Singer and Immanual Kant. These two distinctive and great philosophers of their time has critically analyzed the sources of morality and the way it affects humans in conducting various actions or making different decisions. Introduction Ethics covers wide areas of human life similarly it has great significance in the overall societal boundaries and social welfare. Morality and ethics are often used interchangeably because on the communal level they both represent the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. Morals actually directs minor to major human actions, motives and desires. It often happens that you want to do something really crazy; however, you stop yourself from committing any offense just because of social morals or ethical conduct. This happens with almost everyone in the world and therefore we must pay tribute to ethics and moral principles which actually alleviate evil human desires and taught us the just way of living a life. Morals are not only limited to the difference and recognition of good and bad deeds rather they have a very broad spectrum which widens through the social justice to the animal rights. Obligations towards the poor, declination of suicidal activities, preservation of natural environment, protection of government assets and above all paying respect to every individual comes under the ethical and moral principles (Singer). In the contemporary world people often believe that morality and ethics have gone out of date and that these vague ideas actually stop humans from effusively enjoying life or fulfilling the human desires in whatever way they like. However, reality is far different from the common perception. Ethics are required by humans in order to live a peaceful and contented life. They are responsible to limit the evil desires and also to confront common societal issues. Though humans have made great advancements in last few centuries still their evil side needs to be limited by some effective and efficient moral principles so as to safeguard the human civilization. Furthermore, morals are wrongly considered as the list of prohibitions rather they should be better understood as a set of considerations regarding our natural environment, social set up and overall human development (Singer). Peter Singer has presented a substantial form of moral sphere which is commonly associated with the theory of Utilitarianism. This moral sphere has primarily two distinctive parts which provides a better understanding of the overall concept of ethics and morals. Peter Singer has made a greater emphasis over the application of morals in human lives since people especially philosophers frequently talk about the importance of ethics but they hardly emphasize upon its application in personal and collective lives. In broader terms Utilitarianism is a complex combination of two doctrines namely; theory of what is good and the theory of what is right. Things which appear correct are often regarded as unethical due to the bad aspects attached to them similarly things which seem good are again rejected by the morality principles because of their association to some wrong actions (Singer). However, the moral sphere of Singer is closely related to the consequences of deeds and actions. For instance, things which are categorized as right would always bring good or positive consequences. As mentioned previously that Singer’s emphasis is over the practical and most adaptable ethics therefore he has a diverse view of the theory of Utilitarianism. He tries to resolve common or complex societal issues with the help and application of morality. For instance, he has provided substantial resolutions to the ethical minorities, women rights, destruction to the natural environment and so on (Singer). Contrary to this Immanual Kant argues that ethics largely reflect the rational choices or the rational human behavior. For this purpose he has used the term ‘Categorical Imperative’ which encompasses all the rational behaviors and attitudes. Anything which deviates from the categorical imperative is considered as irrational or immoral according to Kant’s moral sphere. This indicates the distinctive nature of Kant’s believe which predicts that morality fulfills the rational requirements and that human actions which are beyond rationality cannot be directed by the ethics or moral principles. Furthermore rationality is defined as an independent attribute of human mind (Kant). This subsequently explains that the categorical imperative as explained by Kant is nothing more than an independent will. Humans are often regarded as the slaves of their desires and passions, however, the close analysis of the moral theory of Kant interprets that Categorical Imperative is governed by reasons and practical approaches which safeguards human evil passions and give immense protection to the overall human existence. This is primarily due to the affiliation of theory of morals with rationality and wisdom. The independent will as mentioned in the moral theory of Kant is basically the relationship between cause and effect. According to the philosopher this autonomous will is protected by the rationality, logic and practical attributes which subsequently give rise to an ethically sound human personality (Kant). Description The moral theories of Singer and Kant are widely studied and acknowledged throughout the globe. These theories have substantially explained the practical nature of ethics along with their value in human lives. Ethics are largely responsible to direct human behaviors and therefore they must be utilized in order to solve common environmental or social issues, for instance, poverty, global warming, etc. Moreover ethics and morals provide a wider description of choices and their subsequent consequences. Both the theories discussed in this paper have some advantages and disadvantages as per their application or basic description. These positive and negative aspects of Singer and Kant’s moral theories are briefly described below: Advantages The moral theory of Singer is more result oriented as it focuses more towards the possible outcomes of actions and decisions made. Therefore this especial attribute is regarded as the biggest strength or the advantage of this theory. Additionally, it clarifies the differentiation between good and bad, right and wrong through building a concrete relationship between right decisions and good consequences. Rationality is losing its strength from the current societies and community systems. People are more attracted towards irrational and illogical actions governed by unethical choices. In such circumstances the moral theory of Kant plays a vital role as it signifies the basic requirements of ethics and morals. The Categorical Imperative which marks a clear line between rationality and irrationality is the most significant advantage of this theory. Disadvantages The Singer’s theory of morals which is closely related to the practical issues is often regarded as unrealistic by most of the philosophical analysts. In the real world scenario it is comparatively difficult to analyze different alternatives on the basis of right and good. Although the concept is widely accepted still it has significant lapses when it comes to its practical application. Moreover, Singer has failed to give more generalized situations so as to better explain his theory and its applications. The major part of Kant’s moral theory revolves around the non-instrumental agents which are fairly unreasonable to be selected as the basic requirement of rationality. A significant part of the theory is often subject to different arguments and objections. Furthermore some of the instrumental principles are also affiliated with the strong human desires which need to be confronted with the principles of rationality. Conclusion Morals and ethics are the most important aspects of human lives as they are primarily responsible to safeguard human desires and actions. Considering their unique nature and extensive requirement in the contemporary world philosophers and authors have put forward substantial moral theories. These moral theories are also regarded as moral spheres in broader terms. Some of them are based upon comparatively larger spheres, for instance, they encompasses all the internal and external factors influencing the morals and ethics governing humans while on the other hand few moral theories have strictly limited spheres which represents either of the two factors. In this paper the moral theories of renowned philosophers namely; Peter Singer and Immanual Kant are thoroughly discussed along with their application, advantages and disadvantages. The moral sphere of Singer revolves around the basis relationship between right and good actions which actually represents his acceptance of Utilitarianism theory. He says that right actions or right choices are always subsequently followed by good results. Contrary to this Kant has a more realistic idea of morals and ethical principles. He says that morals are basically governed by the rationality which he terms as Categorical Imperative. He further explains that anything which largely deviates from Categorical Imperative results in irrational and vague decisions. Both philosophers have strongly presented their ideas on morality and application of ethical choices. Works Cited Kant, Immanual. Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals. USA: Wilder Publications, 2008. Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics. USA: Cambridge University Press, 1993. Read More