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190 sats \ 3 replies \ @Undisciplined 15 Mar \ on: Does Moral Action Depend On Reasoning ? earth
It is a great question. We might comment that someone has a "really good kid". If we're talking about four or five year olds, they probably didn't reason out their beliefs and then put them into action.
At the same time, if morality weren't based in reason, it wouldn't really make sense to have arguments about what is or isn't moral behavior.
I think there's something very iterative going on and there's a powerful feedback cycle between our emotions and our reason.
Our emotions give us a sense of what's right and wrong. We can then think about and discuss our sense of morality. Articulating our feelings and thoughts refines our moral principles. Those principles then inform our feelings. The cycle repeats ad infinitum.
Kids are largely reflecting the behaviors they've observed, in addition to acting on their own inclinations. So, to some degree a "good kid" is imitating a good adult and is therefor still acting out morals that were informed by reason.
I think the children's case is a relevant example because they're not yet bound by moral codes. You make a good point.
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Thanks
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As we mature, reason takes on a crucial role in shaping our morality. Through logic, debate, and reflection, we can analyze and discuss ethical principles, defining what is considered good and evil. I'm sure you're familiar with Nietzsche's book, "Beyond Good and Evil," which provides a great perspective on this.
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