If something is legal, is it also definitely moral and ethical?
- Thread starter Garet Jax
- Start date
DainBramaged
Lifer
- Jun 19, 2003
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DainBramaged
Lifer
- Jun 19, 2003
- 23,454
- 41
- 91
You're dealing with entirely disparate issues:
For the most part, there is no perception of what's legislatively right or wrong; there is law, and it's either legal or it isn't. I understand there are higher-level issues that require higher-level decisions, but lets keep this simple. Laws are for the most part unambiguous.
There are many independent perceptions of what's considered morally/ethically right and wrong. As noted above, many people feel that abortion is morally wrong, but it's not illegal. Some cultures feel that honor killings are moral, whereas it's quite illegal in most countries. There is no branch of government directly coupled to all the independent perceptions of what's morally/ethically right of wrong; they're disjoint. What constitutes morals and ethics is entirely ambiguous.
So, the key difference is an that of ambiguity. There are of course institutions that enforce a moral/ethical code that make it not ambiguous as well.
For the most part, there is no perception of what's legislatively right or wrong; there is law, and it's either legal or it isn't. I understand there are higher-level issues that require higher-level decisions, but lets keep this simple. Laws are for the most part unambiguous.
There are many independent perceptions of what's considered morally/ethically right and wrong. As noted above, many people feel that abortion is morally wrong, but it's not illegal. Some cultures feel that honor killings are moral, whereas it's quite illegal in most countries. There is no branch of government directly coupled to all the independent perceptions of what's morally/ethically right of wrong; they're disjoint. What constitutes morals and ethics is entirely ambiguous.
So, the key difference is an that of ambiguity. There are of course institutions that enforce a moral/ethical code that make it not ambiguous as well.
DainBramaged
Lifer
- Jun 19, 2003
- 23,454
- 41
- 91
Which is why many people subscribe to the teachings contained in a book called the Bible. It gives a foundation of what is right and wrong. Never have to wonder if suicide is okay or not. Never have to wonder if abortion is okay or not. It's all contained therein.
So, the key difference is an that of ambiguity. There are of course institutions that enforce a moral/ethical code that make it not ambiguous as well.
definitely not, morals and ethics are completely subjective things, one mans immoral action is another mans common day practice.
DainBramaged
Lifer
- Jun 19, 2003
- 23,454
- 41
- 91
Legality and Morality are two different realms.
For example, if I see someone who can't swim fall into a pond and thrash around, and it is obvious that they will drown, I am not obligated in most states to render any aid.
More generally, I am not liable for nonfeasance (doing nothing).
That being said, I would try to save the drowning person from the pond, as I can swim well.
For example, if I see someone who can't swim fall into a pond and thrash around, and it is obvious that they will drown, I am not obligated in most states to render any aid.
More generally, I am not liable for nonfeasance (doing nothing).
That being said, I would try to save the drowning person from the pond, as I can swim well.
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