Ethical Analysis of Issues and Practical Applications, Part 9

Question 1: Define morality and self-interest.

Answer 1: Self-interest is a natural trend, defined as looking toward one’s own personal advantages. The moralistic approach of self-interest is to act as one wishes to be acted upon, therefore manners toward others are influenced by one’s conception of self-interest. The highest form of self-interest is served while keeping the study of ethics and morality in mind during a search for one’s own self-interests.There is confusion between self-interest and selfishness. Selfishness goes beyond a conception of self-interest to the extreme of totally ignoring interests in others, regardless of any detriment to them by doing so. In keeping good things solely for oneself, it becomes obvious that morality is of no concern.By definition both words imply thought or action of an individual toward personal benefit. But the word selfish has negative connotations implying disregard for others. Sometimes our own interests will conflict with interests of others. The strongest self-interest attitude should not prevent us from acting thoughtfully toward others. Morality cannot be a matter of doing whatever one chooses, with total disregard for needs of others.

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Question 2: Discuss the relationship between our conscience and moral values.

Answer 2: Morality impacts our everyday decisions, and those choices are directed by our conscience. Many people hold to the idea that the conscience is a matter of our hearts, that concepts of right, wrong, and fairness are programmed in each of us. This is in keeping with the writings of Paul the Apostle, who points out that even those who do not believe in God frequently obey God's laws given in the Ten Commandments.Our conscience opens feelings of remorse when we choose to do things against our moral values, or which prompts our sense of judgment before performing such an action. Such feelings are not intellectually reached, though they may cause us to examine our conscience and review our moral precepts, and sometimes remind us to resolve not to repeat some immoral behavior.Whether we accept or ignore what our conscience reveals to us is tied to the development of our moral virtues, which in turn refines the functions of our conscience.

Question 3: Compare civil law with moral laws.

Answer 3: Each of us has our own rules and choices about what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil, all of which constitutes basis for our moral laws. The communities in which we live have developed rules to guide and direct us while living with other individuals. National and state authorities organize the overall political community issuing laws to direct our actions.Civil law is concerned with matters of justice and peace for the community, rather than matters of private virtue. Law is about outward behaviors while moral laws concern inner attitudes that direct personal behavior.However, both law and morality serve to guide our behavior. Law accomplishes this primarily through the threat of reprimand if we disobey legal rules. Morality spurs us to action, too. Displaying bad acts result in guilt and disapproval, while good acts result in feelings of virtue and respect, revealing a connection between civil and moral law.

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