Understanding Moral Conduct and Freedom
Ethics and Moral Conduct
Ethics is a philosophical discipline that examines morality and seeks to establish its foundation. Moral conduct is guided by rules and values. Understanding norms and values requires conscious effort. A prerequisite for moral behavior is freedom. When actions are dictated by laws, rigid nature, or uncontrollable instincts, they cannot be judged morally. Moral behavior, being freely chosen, can be evaluated as good or bad. In the latter case, we assume the individual had the freedom to choose.
Freedom: Definition and Types
The term liberty has several meanings:
- Freedom as the absence of obstacles.
- Freedom as chance or indeterminacy: unpredictable events without a governing law.
- Freedom as the ability to choose between options (e.g., clothing choices).
- Freedom as the ability to create.
Creative freedom can exist independently of the ability to choose. The existence of freedom has been frequently debated.
Freedom and Determinism
Determinism
Determinism posits that all events are predetermined and inevitable. Human behavior, in this view, is determined by uncontrollable causes.
Determinism in Mythical and Religious Thought
Fate and Predestination
In Greek mythology and other systems, fate governs the lives of gods and humans. Many attribute fortune or misfortune to fate. Religious determinism appears as divine predestination: God’s omniscience determines who is saved.
Criticism of Religious Determinism
- Critique of Fate: Based on irrational approaches.
- Critique of Predestination from Outside Religion: Denies God’s existence (Nietzsche, Sartre). Marx views God as a product of alienation in class-based societies. Nietzsche sees God as a refuge for the morally weak. Sartre argues God’s impossibility.
- Critique from Within Religious Thought: Augustine argues that God’s foreknowledge doesn’t negate free will.
Natural Determinism
Physical Determinism
Given a cause, the effect can be calculated in advance. Humans, as physical entities, are subject to physical laws.
Biological Determinism
Complements physical determinism. Evolution and genetics suggest predetermined characteristics and behaviors.
Criticisms of Genetic Determinism
Personality traits are influenced by genes, learning, and environment.
Critique of Natural Determinism
Humans can make free choices. Is our mind also determined?
Psychological Determinism
Conscious behavior is driven by uncontrollable and unknown reasons.
Freud and Psychoanalysis
Unconscious elements influence behavior, making humans puppets of the unconscious.
Sartre’s Criticism
- Conscience and Freedom: Determinism doesn’t exist in consciousness; we are free and responsible.
- Essence and Existence: Humans are forced to choose and create their own lives.
Socio-Economic Determinism
Individuals are products of society, which is determined by the economic model.