Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

The construction of morality is a central theme in Philosophy as it deeply reflects on the norms and values that govern the actions of human beings. The ability to reflect on actions and judge them morally is an essential characteristic of human nature, marking the distinction between right and wrong. However, this construction process is complex and multifaceted, being influenced by a variety of cultural, social, and individual factors. Therefore, understanding how morality is constructed is fundamental for a comprehensive understanding of human nature and the world we inhabit.

Contextualization

This lecture note is situated in the context of the study of philosophical foundations, specifically within the scope of Ethics, which constitutes one of the three major parts of Philosophy, along with Logic and Metaphysics. Ethics is concerned with reflecting on morality, addressing issues such as good, evil, freedom, justice, and responsibility, among others.

The study unit on the construction of morality follows logically after the discussion of normative ethical theories, which are based on principles and rules. Here, we advance to consider how these principles and rules are formulated and, more crucially, incorporated into our way of life. This study unit builds a vital link between theory and practice, and allows for a deeper reflection on the role of morality in our existence.

Therefore, this lecture note, by focusing on the processes of constructing morality, provides a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Ethics, thus becoming a relevant and indispensable component of the Philosophy curriculum.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Morality and Ethics: Before we dive into the construction of morality, it is essential to understand the differences between moral and ethics. Morality refers to a system of values and principles that guide the behavior of a society or individual, while ethics is the theoretical study of these values and principles, involving a critical reflection on morality.

• Moral Agents: The construction of morality involves those who perform the moral action. These individuals or groups, known as moral agents, are responsible for formulating, adopting, and practicing moral norms. They are the ones who bring life to the moral system of a society.

• Influences on Moral Construction: Morality is strongly influenced by a series of factors, including culture, religion, education, and social context. Exploring these influences is essential to understand how morality is constructed and why it may vary from one culture to another.

• Moral Reflexivity: Moral reflexivity is a fundamental characteristic of the process of constructing morality. It involves a critical evaluation of existing moral values and principles and the possibility of modifying and evolving these norms in response to new information and understandings.

Key Terms

• Moral Relativism: The idea that morality is relative to the beliefs, values, and practices of a particular culture or society. It holds that there are no absolute moral standards and that what is considered "right" and "wrong" varies according to cultural context.

• Moral Universalism: Opposes moral relativism, holding that there are universal moral principles and values that apply to all cultures and societies, regardless of their specific beliefs and practices.

Examples and Cases

• Cases of Moral Dilemmas: Moral dilemmas, such as the "Organ Transplant Dilemma" or the "Runaway Train Dilemma", are practical examples that illustrate the complexity of constructing morality. These cases, often used in applied ethics, demonstrate how different considerations, such as the principle of beneficence, the right to life, the autonomy of the individual, can conflict and create moral ambiguities.

• Divergent Cultures: Comparing moral norms and values of different cultures, such as the West and the East, can help to highlight cultural influences on morality. For example, the Western view on homosexuality differs considerably from that of some Eastern countries, demonstrating the variability and cultural influence in the construction of morality.

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

• Differentiation between Morality and Ethics: Morality is the set of norms and values practiced by a society, while ethics is the reflective study of these norms and values. Both are fundamental to the existence and maintenance of a social order.

• Moral Agents and the Construction of Morality: Moral agents are the individuals or groups who create and follow moral norms. They are responsible for the formation, acceptance, and practice of these norms.

• The Influence of Cultural, Religious, Educational, and Social Factors: Morality is shaped by a series of external influences, including culture, religion, education, and social context. Understanding these influences is essential to understand how morality is created and why it may vary between societies.

• Moral Reflexivity and the Evolution of Norms: Moral reflexivity is the ability to reassess and modify moral norms in light of new information and understandings. It is a crucial aspect of the construction of morality and allows the evolution of norms over time.

• Relativism and Universalism in Moral: The debate between moral relativism and universalism addresses the question of whether morality is inherently subjective (relativism) or there are universal moral principles (universalism).

Conclusions

• The Construction of Morality as a Complex Process: It is concluded that the construction of morality is not a linear or uniform process. It involves a series of factors and influences that can vary from one society to another, leading to a diversity of moral practices.

• Moral Reflexivity as a Necessary Condition: Moral reflexivity, the ability to think critically about one's own beliefs and moral norms, is considered a necessary condition for the evolution and adaptation of moral systems.

• Relativism and Universalism in Constant Dialogue: The debate between moral relativism and universalism cannot be resolved simply or definitively. Both viewpoints have merits and challenges, and contemporary morality is often the product of a complex dialogue between these perspectives.

Suggested Exercises

1. Moral Dilemmas: Propose the discussion of moral dilemmas where distinct moral principles conflict. Each student should try to argue for a different solution, highlighting the moral principles that underpin their position.

2. Cultural Analysis: Request the analysis of a moral norm from a specific culture, compared to another. Students should identify the cultural influences that may explain the differences in the construction of morality between cultures.

3. Critical Reflection: Ask students to critically reflect on a moral norm that they accept without question. They should try to identify the influences that led to the adoption of this norm and reflect on the possible validity of other perspectives.