| The adjective “moral”, is derived from the Latin word “Moralis”, itself a rendering of the Greek ethikos, or Ethic. It carries a variety of senses, but commonly refers to ‘human character’ or behavior considered as good or bad… the distinction between right and wrong, or good and evil, in relation to actions, or character of responsible beings” (SOED:la). Morality is a complex issue. Most people know what they mean when they talk about something or someone being moral or immoral, however defining the term is somewhat more complex. Looking at the most simple explanation of the term, a dictionary definition highlights the complexity surrounding morality. Moral is said to mean both 'ethical', 'conforming to what is considered by society to be good, right, proper' and 'based on conscience'. (Higgleton, 1999, 1047). Morality is a complex issue. Most people know what they mean when they talk about something or someone being moral or immoral, however defining the term is somewhat more complex. Looking at the most simple explanation of the term, a dictionary definition highlights the complexity surrounding morality. Moral is said to mean both 'ethical', 'conforming to what is considered by society to be good, right, proper' and 'based on conscience'. (Higgleton, 1999, 1047). Morality speaks of a system of behavior in regards to standards of right or wrong behavior. The word carries the concepts of: (1) moral standards, with regard to behavior; (2) moral responsibility, referring to our conscience; and (3) a moral identity, or one who is capable of right or wrong action. Common synonyms include ethics, principles, virtue, and goodness. Morality as it relates to our behavior is important on three levels. Renowned thinker, scholar and author C.S. Lewis defines them as: (1) to ensure fair play and harmony between individuals; (2) to help make us good people in order to have a good society; and (3) to keep us in a good relationship with the power that created us. Based on this definition, it's clear that our beliefs are critical to our moral behavior. |
