Does Moral Action Depend On Reasoning ? \ stacker news ~earth

745 sats \ 7 comments \ @0xbitcoiner 15 Mar earth

The question of whether moral action depends on reasoning is a complex and fascinating one, with profound implications for our understanding of ethics and human behavior. Is morality based on rational and universal principles? Or do emotions and intuitions also play a fundamental role? Is morality something absolute and unchanging, or does it depend on the circumstances and social context?

I have more questions than answers, and so I invite you to reflect on these issues and share your views on this important topic.

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190 sats \ 3 replies \ @Undisciplined 15 Mar

It is a great question. We might comment that someone has a "really good kid". If we're talking about four or five year olds, they probably didn't reason out their beliefs and then put them into action.

At the same time, if morality weren't based in reason, it wouldn't really make sense to have arguments about what is or isn't moral behavior.

I think there's something very iterative going on and there's a powerful feedback cycle between our emotions and our reason.

Our emotions give us a sense of what's right and wrong. We can then think about and discuss our sense of morality. Articulating our feelings and thoughts refines our moral principles. Those principles then inform our feelings. The cycle repeats ad infinitum.

Kids are largely reflecting the behaviors they've observed, in addition to acting on their own inclinations. So, to some degree a "good kid" is imitating a good adult and is therefor still acting out morals that were informed by reason.

56 sats \ 1 reply \ @jakoyoh629 15 Mar

I think the children's case is a relevant example because they're not yet bound by moral codes. You make a good point.

11 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 15 Mar

Thanks

23 sats \ 0 replies \ @0xbitcoiner OP 17 Mar

As we mature, reason takes on a crucial role in shaping our morality. Through logic, debate, and reflection, we can analyze and discuss ethical principles, defining what is considered good and evil. I'm sure you're familiar with Nietzsche's book, "Beyond Good and Evil," which provides a great perspective on this.

42 sats \ 1 reply \ @jakoyoh629 16 Mar

There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue. On the one hand, it can be argued that morality is inherently about justifying and applying principles. We reason through situations, weigh the consequences, and choose actions that align with our moral code. This makes our actions truly "moral" because they are based on a conscious decision, not just on an impulse.

On the other hand, others argue that emotions and intuition also play a fundamental role in morality. We often feel an instinctive reaction to situations, a sense of right or wrong. Empathy, compassion, and even disgust can guide our moral compass. Reasoning can help us refine these intuitions, but some argue that it is the foundation, not the other way around.

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @0xbitcoiner OP 17 Mar

That makes sense

16 sats \ 0 replies \ @jakoyoh629 15 Mar

There are indeed many questions, and they are difficult to answer. I will try to answer some of them over the weekend.