A personal moral theory is a structured set of values and virtues that are used to explain why certain actions are right or wrong. It is the basis for one’s ethical reasoning and provides the framework for the way moral issues are evaluated and processed.
The purpose of this blog post is to transcribe and explain my personal moral theory. The theories and principles discussed in this post are applicable to both personal and professional life.
Follow Your Heart
William D. Ross taught that each person naturally possesses intuitive duties that have the ability to guide us to make ethically moral decisions. These prima facie duties include: Promise keeping, fidelity, showing gratitude, beneficence, justice, self-improvement, and nonmaleficence. However, these principles are not absolute and can be overridden by another in a particular situation (Pojman, 2012). Every situation we find ourselves in should be looked at as a unique and new situation. One must carefully observe and ponder about the intended outcomes of morally ambiguous situations.
However, it is not realistic, nor is it recommended, to use substantial amounts of time to make inconsequential decisions. It is up to each person to decide which decisions are deemed “inconsequential,” but certain a questions such as, “What color of toothbrush should I buy?”, is obviously not as consequential as the dilemma we will visit later in this paper (Jim Beam case study).
As we begin to live by the prima facie duties and discern when careful study and observation of an issue is necessary, we will begin to act through intuition. Immanuel Kant described intuition as a way of knowing an object by sensation and immediate perception, rather than by an intervening process of reason. This secondary act of cognition allows us to act on a situation in a timely manner, while still acquiring new knowledge as we continue to be exposed to unique experiences. The inner conscience that every man has, led by our natural intuition, can lead us to make morally ethical decisions.
Honor
Honor is living true to one’s personal moral theory and central virtues. Being an honorable person means many different things. I define what is an honorable person through how strictly someone adheres to the following principles:
- An honorable person also shows great respect for others and the rules they choose to live by.
- An honorable person is a person of high integrity, in that they keep their level of action in conformity with their level of beliefs.
- An honorable person will never make a rule that they are unwilling to live by.
- An honorable person treats others as ends, rather than means.
Showing respect for others and respecting their views is central to debate and discussion. A truly honorable person respects those around him/her and gives an honest attempt to consider their points of view. Before a decision or judgement has been made, an honorable person will give others the benefit of the doubt and consider every side presenting an argument. An honorable person recognizes that his/her own personal beliefs are not universal and that every person they interact with must be viewed as a unique being.
An honorable person acts the same way whether he/she is alone or surround by many, no matter what the rewards or consequences might be. Displaying this level of integrity is putting one’s base of ethics into action. Keeping one’s level of action in conformity with his/her level of beliefs requires a very high strength of character. An honorable person will live the same way no matter the situation because he/she recognizes that giving up his/her integrity is a dangerous prospect. With each violation of one’s honor, it becomes increasingly easier to turn your back on your code of ethics until you have forgotten them entirely. Through honorable acts, a person will increase their conviction and build a strong foundation as their code of ethics continues to evolve.
An honorable person holds himself/herself to the same standards by which they hold others. Only by living true to one’s code of ethics can he/she expect others to do the same. The moment that a person decides to ignore a principle of their own personal moral theory, they have completely discredited their entire theory. Expecting others to live in a manner in which you cannot or will not is an immoral action by nature.
An honorable person recognizes the value of human life and is primarily concerned with the well-being of those around him/her. Immanuel Kant taught that we should act so as to treat people always as ends in themselves, never as mere means (Bailey, 2011). This idea means that each person is a rational being, and is intrinsically valuable. Because of this, we should treat people as having a value of their own, rather than treating them as ways in which we can satisfy our own goals or purposes. An honorable person ascribes to these teachings and recognizes that no person is only as valuable as the service they render, but they are valuable because they are human beings.
Finally, it is important to discuss what it means to be part of an honorable society. The greatest measure of a society is how it treats it’s most vulnerable and innocent members. An honorable person will do everything in their power to ensure they are part of an honorable society on both a micro and macro level.
Pursuit of Knowledge
Knowledge is one of the most important resources one can acquire in life. Knowledge is gained by studying the works of others, as well as experiencing life. The pursuit of knowledge is a key element of this personal moral theory because as additional knowledge is gained, a person will begin to evolve, as will their personal beliefs.
The evolution of one’s personal moral theory and code of ethics should evolve. This evolution process develops as one is gaining knowledge through studies and experiences. Studying philosophers and applying their teachings to real-life situations is a primary pillar of an evolving personal moral theory. Through this practice, one can begin to formulate an idea of how he/she would act in a similar situation. Likewise, being put in real-life experiences in which these beliefs are put into practice will help one develop his/her personal moral theory. Seeking out opportunities to practice their personal moral theory will serve as an invaluable teaching method for those who wish to acquire more knowledge.
The pursuit of knowledge is also essential for personal moral theories because it allows one to consider the true motives of his/her actions, rather than just focusing on the results of his/her decisions. Recognizing our motives for making a decision, as well as the motives of others involved, is a far greater measure of whether an act is moral or immoral, than to simply observe to results of said decision.
Self-Restraint
The principle of self-restraint is synonymous with self-control and self-discipline. Selfrestrain is a principle of action, where desires are pushed aside for necessities. Most importantly, self-restraint enables one to act on a situation, rather than merely reacting. As one begins to practice self-restraint, they will develop a stronger appreciation for those around them.
Jesus Christ taught through powerful parables and examples. A very wise man once said, “Whether you believe Jesus Christ was divine or not, you have to agree he was one hell of a philosopher.” Perhaps one of the most important principles that Jesus Christ preached was the principle of agape.
Agapeism is defined as the theory that morality is grounded in love toward others and toward God (Pojman, 2011). Many people believe agape is another word for “brotherly love,” but it is much more than this. Agape is a focused, self-sacrificing love that is for the benefit of those around you. By striving to live by the principle of agape, one will begin to harvest a greater appreciation for all those around them. Through the principle of agape, one will be far less concerned with self-serving matters, but rather be focused on the greater good for mankind. You will not be focused on pursing your own desires, but instead focused on the betterment of yourself and your immediate environment.
The “golden rule” states: do unto others as you would have done unto you. This is a sound moral principle because it puts into action one’s personal moral theory at all times. By treating other the way you wish to be treated, you enter into a social contract that you have (what you believe to be) the best interests of those around you at heart. Perhaps taking this principle a step further is treating other the way that they wish to be treated.
One of the most difficult traps that people fall in to is developing a “pack mentality.” A self-serving pack mentality is purely a reaction to an event that has not been fully processed or examined. It is an important part of this personal moral theory to always show self-restraint by operating as an autonomous being and fully formulating unique thoughts and beliefs based of a personal code of ethics that are independent from the influence of the media or those around you.
Humility
Humility is a principle that teaches no one person is more important than another. Likewise, no one belief or school of thought is more appropriate or important than another. Someone who is humble does not expect themselves or others to be perfect. A humble person is meek and learns from mistakes.
Humility is vitally important when entrenched in debate and discussion. It is through humility that we allow ourselves to learn from others and develop our own beliefs and thoughts. Humility is the opposite of pride, perhaps one of the most destructive barriers of developing a personal moral theory. Pride is a self-serving concept that disables us to learn from those around us. Pride robs us of learning experiences essential to human development. A prideful person does not recognize learning experiences, while a humble person is genuinely grateful for every opportunity to learn and grow, even if the experience was negative.
Perhaps the most important aspect of humility is recognizing that the human element makes it nearly impossible for total acceptance of one personal moral theory. A humble person recognized that what is best for him/her, may not be the best for those around him/her. If you are a humble person, you recognize that you do not always right, which allows you to be open to the thoughts and ideas of others
References
Andrew Bailey and Robert M. Martin, eds., First Philosophy: Fundamental Problems and Readings in Philosophy, Second Edition (Broadview, 2011).
Pojman, L. (1990). Ethics: Discovering right and wrong (7th ed., Vol. 2012). Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth Pub.
Hayden Coombs 