The Intellectualism of Morality: Reason and Ethical Action
The Moral Intellectualism:
The idea of moral intellectualism, stemming from the Socratic notion that if one knows the good, one must behave well, posits that knowledge is the foundation of ethical action. Socrates believed that immediate moral action arises from a correct understanding of what one should do.
However, the Sophists disagreed, challenging the arguments for good morals, virtue, and justice presented in Plato’s dialogues. Socrates aimed to expose the contradictions and ignorance of young individuals and Sophists regarding moral virtue. The Sophists, lacking dialectical intelligence, opposed Socrates’ definitions of virtue and justice, arguing that evidence lacks formal universality akin to geometric axioms or theorems.
Reason well and act well. Socrates and Plato believed that one could offer definitions and moral principles that, while not self-evident, could be accepted as fundamental to moral life. Socrates’ exploration of justice highlights humanity’s capacity for both vengeance and altruism. Throughout history, religious institutions, like Christian churches, have been rife with intrigues, vengeance, and hatred, mirroring the actions of Roman emperors and subsequent leaders.
Christian morality introduced the concept of original sin, which St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas analyzed with precision, examining its impact on human anthropology and the weakening of free will. The premise that a good act is not a demonstrable axiom challenges the notion that theory automatically translates into ethical practice. Ethics is not a geometric system provable through axioms; desires, passions, and affections influence moral actions.
Think better to live better. Moral goodness is not guaranteed by intellectual prowess. History is filled with individuals who achieved social, financial, and political success without being considered wise or honorable. Ethical intelligence serves as an introduction to moral values and actions. For centuries, rationalist anthropology has dominated philosophical trends, emphasizing the rational self and its reasoning abilities.
Recent theories emphasize that a good professional needs to know how to speak, act, cooperate, respect others, and listen. It’s no longer sufficient to simply be intelligent. It’s essential to educate individuals in values, moral abilities, and social skills.
The Necessity of Reflection
In modern, complex societies, the fast pace of life often leaves little time for reflection and thoughtful consideration. Practical rationality, as exercised in moral, social, and political philosophy, can help orient goals and objectives. While productive activity can be a goal, true happiness involves integral well-being and harmony with oneself, others, and the world.
The elements of practical rationality in individual, social, and political life can bring valuable moral reflection. An intelligent and happy person is one who not only knows the good but also contemplates and investigates the secret to a fulfilling individual and collective life.