philosophy

The definition, meaning and function of morality

The definition, meaning and function of morality
The definition, meaning and function of morality

Video: What is Morality? 2024, May

Video: What is Morality? 2024, May
Anonim

It is difficult to find a person who has no idea what morality is. But apparently, far from all agree with its necessity. Perhaps they are truly right, and a healthy egoism and desire to fully satisfy all their needs, albeit at the expense of others, is the only right decision? In this article we will consider the functions of morality, as well as discuss its necessity for the normal development of society as a whole and each person individually. Who knows, perhaps it would be better for everyone if they could do anything without even suffering remorse?

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Before proceeding to the study of what are the basic functions of morality, one must first define this concept. Morality is a set of norms, assessments and rules that govern the behavior of people, as well as the interaction between them in various life situations. They arise most often spontaneously, but take root only if most people find them useful. Considering the essence and functions of morality in society, it is important to understand that its main purpose is to reconcile the personal interests of a person and the needs of society as a whole. The norms offer us a certain stereotype of behavior worked out over the course of evolution, which is recognized by most people at this historical stage. The functions of morality reflect its undoubtedly important role in society. In total, there are three of them: regulatory, cognitive and evaluative-imperative. These functions of morality in society were developed in the course of a peculiar historical search for the most worthy and humane ways of existence of each individual person.

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Regulation of people's behavior with the help of moral standards is unique, because it does not need to create certain punitive organs, but occurs through their assimilation by the child during the educational process. Therefore, despite the fact that the functions of morality are undoubtedly important for the harmonious development of society and each individual individual, they are not performed by all. It all depends on the inner beliefs of each individual.

The regulatory function is that morality is a way of controlling behavior. From childhood, people learn certain useful stereotypes that help them feel comfortable in most situations. The evaluative function of morality is that all social phenomena are divided into "good" and "evil." Having made such an assessment for himself, a person can form his attitude to what is happening and act in one way or another. This helps him in understanding the world around him and systematizing the information received about him.

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Many people often confuse such two concepts as "morality" and "morality." But there are significant differences between them, despite the fact that they are both based on high ideals developed by mankind throughout its history. The thing is that morality involves mitigating the strict imperatives of behavior proposed by morality for their application in real life.