MORALITY
What is Morality?
Morality concerns the folkways and mores whereby we evaluate experience: on the basis of external controls or internal deliberations; as part of an in-group or part of an out-group; as the result of positive re-enforcement or aversive re-enforcement. In this Age of Inclusion, we often ignore our habit of grouping people by the acceptability of their behavior. Many institutions use a command structure and some things you just don’t do! Each pair characterizing morality is at the opposite ends of a parameter.
Commands vs. Conscience
The armed forces, the church, the corporation, and the bureaucracy all operate on the basis of a “command and control” structure. Orders can be given, and sanctions applied to those who disobey instructions or rules. Many would prefer to be persuaded, or self-motivated, but that always leaves the option of uncontrolled non- compliance. In the NewAge we fudge, by talking the talk of conscience, but walking the walk of commands. The parameter that includes commands and conscience is restriction.
Inclusion vs. Exclusion
Most science fiction is based on extrapolations of the hard sciences, but one cherished modern myth is a fiction based on the sciences of sociology and anthropology, namely the family of humanity. We actually exclude far more than we include. Criminals, different ethnic groups, non-believers (from sacred or civic religions), different age sets, and different class occupants are excluded whenever we have the discretion to do so. The parameter that underlies inclusion and exclusion is association.
Injunctions vs. Prohibitions
According to the prevalent folk wisdom people don’t like being told what to do (injunctions). But they apparently also don’t like being told what NOT to do (prohibitions)! There is an underlying anarchistic strain beneath much of this, but people usually apply it to themselves rather than others. I jaywalk, but curse others who do so. Stealing is definitely wrong, but I have pilfered the occasional paper clip myself. The most effective social control is so subtle it is not even conscious – behaving yourself has become intuitive. The parameter that involves injunctions and prohibitions is direction.
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