The Origin of Morality

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Judgments of the heart between good and evil, right and wrong that is moralities purest form. Morality is a misleading mistress because, whatever is decided as moral and immoral can be just as easily justified as the opposite in a new era. Many with a rationalist view will describe morality as a virtue which allows for laws and justice to take place. An immoral action is an action taken through the perpetrator believing they will receive no punishment. A question is then presented why are there such distinct classifications of morality and immorality? Glaucon wants to prove that men are only moral so that justice will be had for them if something immoral or unjust is done unto them. He also wants establish that the origin of morality is not found in man themselves but in the fact they do not want immoral or unjust crimes committed against them. He tries to provide adequate instances, but the most preferred method for choosing any action moral or immoral is by using different instances in history with the same information. As well, Glaucon also wants to prove that an immoral life is better than a moral. He provides few examples to support his theories toward Socrates during their battle of wits. While I understand his theories I choose to disagree because there are underlining circumstances that show why a man may choose to be immoral. And in many instances those choices are not selected by preference but by necessity. I agree with Glaucon to the extent that wealth and power tend to lead individuals to immoral actions, but I disagree that this observation applies to all individuals if they were to face the same obstacles. Morality is based upon will and desire. In Plato’s recount of the argument I receive the implication that each...

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...equences that make take time but will appear due to the person’s actions. Ultimately still agreeing with Glaucon on certain beliefs, I continue to disagree that his findings can be true for all men in the world.

Bibliography
Brown, Charlotte R. "Wollaston, William (1659–1724)." Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Ed. Donald M. Borchert. 2nd ed. Vol. 9. Macmillan Reference USA, 2006. 832-834. Opposing Viewpoints in Context.
Ducasse, Curt J. "Concerning the Logical Status and Criteria of Morality." Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, April 9, 2014. 128. JSTOR.
Kaebnick, Gregory. “Reasons of the heart: emotion, rationality, and the "Wisdom of Pepugnance." The Hastings Center, August 2008. 4. Religion and Philosophy Connection (1874269020).
Plato. “Morality as a Good in Itself.” Ethics: The Big Questions. Ed. James Sterba. Massachusetts: Blackwell, 2009. 27-34. Print.

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