Question 1: In order to understand the difference between Descriptive and Normative Statements, it is important to grasp the distinction between Descriptive and Normative Ethics. Descriptive ethics focuses on explaining individuals’ moral beliefs, statements, and behavior, and is primarily studied by psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists. On the other hand, Normative ethics aims to determine which actions are considered right or wrong, positive or negative, and what qualities define a moral or immoral person.
The study of ethics is primarily conducted by philosophers and theologians. In simpler terms, Descriptive statements focus on the current existence, while Normative statements relate to what should exist. Descriptive ethics involves describing people’s beliefs and behaviors regarding right and wrong, good and evil, and their choices in moral decisions. It is important to note that the distinction between these two forms of ethics can easily become unclear.
When trying to explain or persuade others about their viewpoint in a certain situation, individuals often use normative statements. These could include saying that “it is morally wrong to amputate someone’s hand for theft.” Nonetheless, it is challenging to make accurate judgments without being directly involved or having personal experience with the cultural context.
When utilizing normative statements, it is crucial to exercise caution in our language and behavior to prevent causing offense or casting doubt on a culture’s moral values without comprehending their historical context. Moral and Cultural relativism offer a valuable base for grasping the distinction between Descriptive and Normative statements. The principal shared element of these two theories is relativism. Thus, what precisely does relativism signify?
Relativism proposes that values are not fixed but rather reliant on factors such as time, place, people, and circumstances. When examining various cultures, cultural relativism instructs us that there are no universally applicable absolute moral truths. Instead, the moral convictions and attitudes of individuals are shaped by their cultural environments. Moral relativism recognizes that diverse cultures uphold distinct moral standards and discourages assuming that identical ethical frameworks apply in all cultural contexts.
Different cultures have varying perspectives on what is morally right or wrong, but this does not imply that any belief from any culture is objectively correct or incorrect. According to Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, each society considers its own beliefs and methods as superior to others. Friedrich Nietzsche argued for the construction of morals based on individual perspectives of truth, equality, goodness, badness, etc., instead of blindly following moral laws imposed by a powerful group. The theories and statements presented do not provide a definitive answer to the questions they raise. Similar to other cultures worldwide, our society strives to improve itself by remaining loyal to our way of life. Claiming absolute knowledge about morality is akin to playing God in a world we did not create. To truly comprehend the meaning of morality, it is crucial for us to open ourselves up to deeper understanding.
The understanding and interpretation of morality differ significantly among individuals due to the diversity of our world. People have unique experiences every day that are influenced by factors such as location, upbringing, or religion. These experiences intricately shape each person’s behavior.
The study of ethics or morality is a field that must continually adapt to the constantly changing nature of human beings. Laws and religions are insufficient in encompassing all the positive and negative actions, as they differ among cities, counties, and countries. Although there is no universally accepted definition for “law,” it can be understood as a set of rules and principles enforced by social institutions to regulate behavior.
According to this definition, the text emphasizes that ethics and laws should not be merged. The phrase “guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior” presents compelling evidence supporting this viewpoint. It is important to take note of the term social institutions, which signifies a collective of individuals who determine what they believe would be most beneficial for their specific culture or environment.
The concept of cultural relativism asserts that each culture possesses its own unique set of moral principles and convictions regarding what is morally correct and incorrect. Conversely, laws are created as a response to specific events that have had negative effects on a society or culture. However, the stability of these laws may eventually be questioned and doubted by the same culture, whether it occurs within days or years. A notable illustration of this occurrence is the increasing acceptance and support for marijuana in our society, which has resulted in a growing movement advocating for its legalization.
The constant change in human beings due to their cultural experiences over time requires acknowledging and responding to these changes. Even if not everyone in a society or culture agrees on what is right or wrong, influential individuals typically conform to the norms of the society or culture they lead. This is why laws alone cannot fully determine morality. Religion encompasses organized belief systems, cultural systems, and world views that connect people to spirituality and sometimes moral principles.
When discussing religion, it is important to acknowledge that it cannot offer definitive answers for all moral questions due to the existence of multiple religions with diverse beliefs. If we analyze how different religions guide morality, it resembles the process of creating and enforcing laws. All religions have contradicted their own proclaimed principles in order to convince others to adopt their faith. The widely accepted phrase “Thou shalt not kill,” found in various religions, paradoxically originates from the very principle it denounces.
All religions have caused numerous deaths in their efforts to prove their dominance as the ultimate and correct faith. This conflict persists today through acts of terrorism and other issues within society. It is recommended to view religion as a personal compass for morality rather than a rigid set of regulations that dictate what is morally right or wrong for a community or culture. Ultimately, we will be personally evaluated and held accountable for the decisions and behaviors we have undertaken throughout our existence. Nonetheless, this aligns with religious teachings.
