Right or Wrong

"Am I right?" "Did I do something wrong?" What are these thoughts? Do they derive from heavenly precepts, cultural norms, or human conscience? And most crucially, do these conceptions genuinely exist, or are they just creations fashioned by the ever-changing human experience? This article dives into the origins and evolution of moral issues, the elements that impact our ethical decisions, and whether "right" and "wrong" are unchanging facts or changeable interpretations.

FEAR OF GOD AS A FACTOR

For ages, religion has been an anchor of human decency. Many people shape their sense of good and evil based on religious teachings and the dread of divine judgment. Concepts like heaven and hell, reward and punishment, and the commandments of a higher authority often control behaviour. For instance, in many monotheistic religions, subscribing to a moral code is considered an act of devotion. The fear of eternal damnation or the promise of paradise has traditionally affected decisions, making morality externally driven. But does morality lose its authenticity when anchored on fear rather than inherent understanding? Existentialist philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche disputed this view. Nietzsche famously declared, “God is dead,” suggesting that the loss of religious authority had left humanity without a universal moral framework. Without God, Nietzsche maintained, humanity must assume responsibility for developing its ideals. This conceptual change raises the question: Is morality less acceptable if it derives from human invention rather than divine command? While religion provides a universal foundation for many, it often struggles to meet specific nuances. As countries become more secular, the dependence on divine judgment as a moral compass has altered, posing the question: Can morality flourish without divine oversight?

SOCIETAL PRESSURES AND CONFORMITY

Human beings are naturally social creatures, and cultural conventions have a substantial part in determining what is judged "right" and "wrong." These norms, however, are changeable and vary among cultures and periods. Take the example of gender roles. In the past, many societies deemed it "wrong" for women to work outside the home, but now, such prohibitions are largely recognised as antiquated and unfair. Similarly, sentiments about LGBTQ+ rights have undergone a seismic upheaval in many parts of the world. What was formerly denounced as "immoral" is today welcomed as a statement of uniqueness and freedom. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in his Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, claimed that morality evolved alongside society. According to Rousseau, early people lived in a state of nature, free from conceptions of right and wrong. It was only with the establishment of communities that concepts of morality evolved, typically reflecting the power dynamics of the moment. This indicates how societal standards are not permanent but evolve with collective understanding and growth. Yet, societal conformity also presents its dilemmas—should one confront unjust norms or submit to them for acceptability and survival?

THE EVOLUTION OF MORAL COMPASSES

Throughout history, human beings have relied on many frameworks to resolve moral difficulties. From the rigorous laws of ancient civilisations to the philosophical discussions of the Enlightenment, our knowledge of ethics has developed. In ancient communities like Mesopotamia, morality was often related to legal laws, such as the Code of Hammurabi, which mandated brutal punishments to maintain order. During the Enlightenment, thinkers like Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill added new aspects to morality. Kant emphasised universal rules of duty, whereas Mill championed utilitarianism—the belief that actions are "right" if they enhance happiness for the largest number.

CONSCIENCE AS AN INTERNAL NAVIGATOR

I've read so much till this point, just to find that morality doesn't exist like I thought it did. But genuinely grasping the essence of morality changes how we view and take control of our lives. Conscience plays such a crucial role in this. Our subconscious monologue that goes on 24/7 influences most of our actions, if not all. Between all these monochromes, there are grey lines that define morality as we have seen. Our innate consciousness, which we often take for granted, absolutely needs to be cherished more, as all our moral sense of navigation rests inherently in it. We can actively define our morality instead of blindly following the morality passed down to us. The leap from passive to active morality is a bit tough. It is like taking a leap of faith and healing from subjugated and traditionally established morality. At the root of these discussions lies the human conscience—our intrinsic sense of right and wrong. Unlike external reasons like religion or societal norms, the conscience is fundamentally personal and often developed by upbringing, experiences, and empathy. However, even the conscience is not free from conflict. Consider the example of whistleblowers like Edward Snowden, who disclosed government monitoring of executions. While their activities were perceived as "wrong" by authorities, many viewed them as acts of moral courage. This exposes the grey areas where the conscience must navigate between internal values and external requirements.

Author

Katayani Vats (2nd Year)