A handsome, young man falls in love with a beautiful, young woman and, as luck would have it, she falls in love with him, as well. After a few, brief and awkward encounters, they overcome their self doubt and confess their love for one another. A Hollywood moment.
They get married and buy a small house in the countryside, which sits alone on an empty, far stretching road; one car passing by every other week, at most. They work the farmland and raise a flock of sheep. They are happy, but something feels missing.
Late on a warm summer's day, the man finishes a cool glass of beer and then his wife informs him eagerly that she has fallen pregnant. Suddenly, their lives feel complete.
Nine months later, she gives birth to an angellic baby daughter. She grows up quick, toddling about the house and yapping 'da-da'.
One day, the girl stumbles into the road as that fateful car is passing by, which strikes her to the ground. The car drives off and hours later, the girl dies.
Her parents bathe the cold body, cut the flesh from the corpse and roast the meat for dinner. They enjoy a meal celebrating the life of their daughter.
Something feels irregularwith this tale, you are probably feeling disgust. Have the girl's parents done anything wrong? You want to say yes, but if you think on it, can you justify a reason why?
The parents never harmed the girl and did everything to love, cherish and protect her. Yet, in eating her, it feels off. If no one saw or ever found out to be offended by it and the parents found peace in celebrating the life of their daughter in this way and the girl's death was completely out of their hands; is what they didmorally wrong? And, why?
I will return to this later.
First: Morality is an abstract noun representing the principles that draw adistinction between what is right and what is wrong; actions which are considered good or evil.
As a collective, humanity is obsessed with morality - the themes of good and evil are sprawled across reams of literature, canvas and film - we have attempted to teach, enforce and fight for righteousness across the ages. Some of our most ancient texts, medieval morality plays and children's fables' only purpose is to inform, persuade and threaten us into agreeing with a particular set of principles which define what is right and what is wrong. However, all too often humanity disagrees on matters of morality. Why is this? Surely, we can all agree on what is good and what is evil? How hard can it be?
Well, if we return to the quick opening story, let's explore two situations where we only have one moral principle and see the conclusions they reach.
Do not harm without consent. The parents did not harm the little girl, nor each other and if there are any adverse biological reactions to their actions, then they did so consenting. Therefore, what they did may not be right, but it wasn't wrong either. You wouldn't neccessarily want to be friends with these people, but when asked if what they did was wrong, we would answer no.
Alternatively: live a life in sanctity. Eating the flesh of another human is bad for you, degrading and unclean. Even though they were consenting in the act, we can interpret their action as a slight against the sanctity of the dead or an offence against a wider community in which these parents are a part of. By degrading themselves, they increase the spreading of diease and illness. Therefore, when asked if what they did is wrong, we would answer yes.
Now, let us imagine that Person A and Person B both hold these principles: do not harm without consent and live a life in sanctity; as part of their moral make up. However, each person values and puts a different weighting on each of these principles, that vastly differ, and therefore, Person A and Person B reach vastly different conclusions in their assessment.
Man's inability to agree on morality when tested or in conflict is why communities have created absolute laws to establish what is agreed upon and how society responds to breaking of moral codes. Laws became the foundation of governments and states; therefore, our complex, interconnected web of legal systems and boarders, which co-exist on our planet all find root in man's morality and coming together as communities. Nothing has a greater impact on a society than the common ideals which it agrees on; other than perhaps, the ideals which it disagrees on. This is politics.
People are fluid and can be manipulated; therefore, society is fluid and can be manipulated - for good or for evil. To understand and better our society, we need to look back and analyse what the influences, corruptions and precious founding principles are for our morality and our morality through history; so that we can readjust our thinking when looking forward and changing our future for good.
<side note>
The most fundamental laws in our society are born from moral codes: murder, theft, abduction, holding someone captive; all break these codes, and thus, our laws. These adhorrent acts are punishable offences because they are against the law; the state; the morals.
But, why do we punish criminals?
After all, too often a prison sentence never seems quite enough. Some favour the death penality as a more tough response to crime, while others believe that death is an escape too easy for a violent criminal and they deserve to suffer a far worse fate.
Before we can truly answer this question, 'why do we punish criminals?', we must first consider two other question:
1. Why do people break the law, or, act immorally?
2. Is it ever good to punish a person with evil*?
*Murder, death penalty
Theft, fines
Abduction, arrest
Holding someone captive, inprisonment
We use different words for these same acts when we believe they are justified.
The former question perhaps deserves its own post. I believe that all people think they are good people and I believe, whether a crime is reactionary or planned, people whom break the law, and in turn, a moral code do so because either they follow a different set of principles for their morality than the society's laws they transgress in; or, more relevantly, they decided that an evil act can be justified.
For the second question, I think that most people would answer yes, though some may be against the death penalty, they accept inprisonment and arrest as common place. This presents a troubling paradox, the reason why people answer yes to this question is because they decided an evil act can be justified.
If we don't punish criminals, what do we do with them?
Will a more advanced society than ours in 100 years look back in their history books in disgust at the barbaric ways our societies dealt out justice, just like we look back at ancient or primitive societies in disgust?
</side note>
According to Moral Foundations Theory, there are different principles which form our morality, and in turn, our society. The following is quoted from: http://www.moralfoundations.org/ check out their website for more detail.
"1) Care/harm: This foundation is related to our long
evolution as mammals with attachment systems and an ability to feel
(and dislike) the pain of others. It underlies virtues of kindness,
gentleness, and nurturance.
"2) Fairness/cheating:
This foundation is related to the evolutionary process of reciprocal
altruism. It generates ideas of justice, rights, and autonomy. [Note: In
our original conception, Fairness included concerns about equality,
which are more strongly endorsed by political liberals. However, as we
reformulated the theory in 2011 based on new data, we emphasize
proportionality, which is endorsed by everyone, but is more strongly
endorsed by conservatives]
"3) Loyalty/betrayal: This
foundation is related to our long history as tribal creatures able to
form shifting coalitions. It underlies virtues of patriotism and
self-sacrifice for the group. It is active anytime people feel that it's
"one for all, and all for one."
"4) Authority/subversion:
This foundation was shaped by our long primate history of hierarchical
social interactions. It underlies virtues of leadership and
followership, including deference to legitimate authority and respect
for traditions.
"5) Sanctity/degradation: This
foundation was shaped by the psychology of disgust and contamination. It
underlies religious notions of striving to live in an elevated, less
carnal, more noble way. It underlies the widespread idea that the body
is a temple which can be desecrated by immoral activities and
contaminants (an idea not unique to religious traditions).
"6) Liberty/oppression: This foundation is about the
feelings of reactance and resentment people feel toward those who
dominate them and restrict their liberty. Its intuitions are often in
tension with those of the authority foundation. The hatred of bullies
and dominators motivates people to come together, in solidarity, to
oppose or take down the oppressor. We report some preliminary work on
this potential foundation in this paper, on the psychology of libertarianism and liberty."
<politics>
There is a natural conflict between principles 4 and 6.
Authority viewed as oppression; liberty seen as subversion. This conflict is one of the two main axis on the political spectrum: the Libertarian/Authoritarian, Y axis. At the extremes, Liberalism is Anarchy and Authoritarianism is Facism.
Also, the economic left and right is the weighting of priciples 1 and 2.
To best understand what this compass represents, look at this example of the candidates from the 2016 presidential elections in the USA, plotted onto the compass:
Or, looking at the major UK political parties:
Other famous figures:
Even simpler still:
Libertarian Vs Authoritarian = Weed Vs No weed
Economic Left Vs Right = No guns Vs Guns
Libertarian Vs Authoritarian = Pro-choice Vs Pro-life
Economic Left Vs Right = Benefits Vs No benefits
Libertarian Vs Authoritarian = Freedom of religion Vs State religion
Economic Left Vs Right = NHS Vs NO NHS
Libertarian Vs Authoritarian = Freedom Vs Control
Economic Left Vs Right = Socialism Vs Capitalism
Do you trust people to be free? Do you trust people to control others?
Should we look after each other? Should we look after ourselves?
When you decide to vote for a person or a party, you are answering these questions for the country and putting your vote towards the collective morality of our society. Whether intentional or not, knowingly or unknowingly, these are the core principles of politics.
A. Those enthusiastically embracing the EU's prevailing
economics (neoliberal/free trade) but unhappy with the Social Charter
and Chapter — especially on migration. This is a position held by many
Conservatives.
B. Those happy with both the economic and social provisions,
which includes many people on the centre/right of the Labour Party,
almost all Lib Dems and some wet Tories
C. Those enthused by at least most of the EU's social
provisions, but rejecting corporate values and neoliberal economics
(left-of-centre social liberals eg Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn).
Brexit voters were similarly divided between:
D. Those rejecting the EU's prevailing economics but
accepting, at least to some extent, the social dimension (many Laboure
supporters)
E. Those rejecting both (quintessentially UKIP)
F. Those comfortable with many of the EU's economic
provisions, if only they could easily exit the Social Chapter
(Conservative)
Morality is fluid, it has changed over time and it is important to understand this so we can prepare for the future, as it will continue to change for better or for worse, depending on how we act, how we vote and what we stand up for.
For this section, I will look at two areas in short, note detail: sexuality and drugs.
The past-past
Sexuality - homosexuality common among many cultures.
Sexuality - extreme paedophilia towards young children common place and practiced in ancient Greek civlisations, such as Sparta. Child marriage, adult men marrying brides as soon as they are at child-bearing age; early teens.
Drugs - legal.
Drug addicts - left to their own devices.
The past
Sexuality - Christian religions make homosexuality a punishable offense.
Sexuality - extreme paedophilia towards young children deemed immoral, though common place in some religions. Child marriage,
adult men marrying brides as soon as they are at child-bearing age;
early teens.
Drugs - Illegal.
Drug addicts - criminals.
The present
Sexuality - Gay Rights; marriage.
Sexuality - Paedophilia towards young children immoral and demonised, though still common in some religions. Child marriage continues to this day; however, many governments around the world have outlawed it. See http://www.girlsnotbrides.org/child-marriage-law/ for more details.
Drugs - Some being legalised.
Drug addicts - demonised.
The future
Sexuality - Complete LGBT Rights and freedom of sexuality globally.
Sexuality - Paedophilia
no longer demonised and given help or support?
Drugs - fully legalised all drugs? A careful balance?
Drug addicts - treated as a medical condition? Cared for and reintroduced into society?
Returning to morality, what was the point of that? It is important to acknowledge that morality has changed over history and we can expect it to continue changing. If we pretend there is an objective, perfect morality system and that system is the one most people hold today, then we can review the past. When asking is something morally wrong? Answers can be type 1 or type 2 errors.
A type 1 error is accepting a false positive.
A type 2 error is accepting a true negative.
Therefore, we believe today that no matter your sexuality, you should have the right to marry and love whoever you want, then we will regard the demonisation and illegalisation of homosexuality as a type 1 error. In the past they falsely believe it was wrong.
Additionally, ancient civilisations views on paedophilia and rape, for example, were type 2 errors. We believe that these things are wrong now, though they did not back then. They found these acts negatively wrong, i.e. fine, when in truth they were actually wrong.
However, there is no perfect, objective morality system. It is fluid and changing; and still has a way to change before we're close to perfect. By accepting that humanity has made mistakes in the past, we can accept that we are probably still making mistakes.
The way we handle criminals. The way we deal with drug addicts. The way we treat mental health. The way we interact with each other, or don't. The way we use the internet. The way love. The way we speak.
If morality is fluid, who knows how it will change if we do not guide and form it? How can we do that? And if we don't, who will?
A brief return to politics: people protest to ensure their moral voices are heard, but the protest is dead. When was the last time anything changed because of a strike or a protest? Maybe some wages went up for a union. Real change? Protests and strikes have been overdone, they have lost their effect and the people in charge know this - they know that their core voters don't care about protests anymore.
In order to change society, people need to be willing to change their vote, but there is a strong moral principle which stops people from doing that:
3) Loyalty/betrayal: This
foundation is related to our long history as tribal creatures able to
form shifting coalitions. It underlies virtues of patriotism and
self-sacrifice for the group. It is active anytime people feel that it's
"one for all, and all for one."
'Self-sacrifice for the group', people vote against their own best interest in loyalty to parties which stopped caring about them a long time ago. Across America and Europe, the re-emerging right wing authoritarian parties are rising up again, endless air time is devoted to a near-dead UKIP, but nearly none is given to the thriving Green Party. These parties are for the rich and the powerful, yet are voted in by the poorest people who have been filled with hate through media, owned by the rich and the powerful.
It is effective. It is working, again. People are fluid and they can be manipulated. If you don't vote, or are unwilling to change your vote when the party you are voting for is being manipulated and changed by the rich and the powerful, then you are prioritising loyalty over all other moral principles. It is a decision.
Your best friend visits you with a new hair cut, which looks awful. They ask, 'do you like my new hair?' Do you tell the truth and hurt their feelings, or, lie and make them feel good? Comment below.
</essay>
Thank you for reading my essay on Morality and Politics. I hope you found it thought provoking. I tried to be as politically unbiased as possible, but I'm sure some biasedness slipped in there, so remember, while it is important to remain open minded to new ideas and change, it is also important not to be manipulated; ultimately, you need to reflect on what you have read, check it for yourself and follow your heart, mind and soul; not other people's - even mine.
I drove through the day, drove until I was far away
saw the sunlight bleeding over head
crayon red scratched silver sky
left all teardrops in a fire, burning while I drove far away
last light slips behind groves, meadows, humankind
beneath a black sky haunting over head
charcoal carved out the silver sky
eyes open all night, dry, looking out for humankind
quick fast love affair, done by dawn without a care
snaking roads worm through lonely hills
spearhead peak held up the sky
I trudge through bog, car parked somewhere without a care
knee bent, thigh burn, stepping, climbing to the sun
tired so soon but just begun
glasses mist, breath short, high
walking boots grounded in dry roots to the sun
downs a dizzy doom to stiffen, slop steeped into cliff
I could turn around now
hand cups grey rock and elbow gets up
only upward scrambled on the cliff
up, up, farther still, lost a breath and I feel
exhausted and ready to give in
so high up people look like shrimp
I close my eyes, I take a breath, I feel
two wings on the air, below me, above their prey
resting slumbered between two rocks
nestled into a shallow grave
a sheep stepped from a cloud and I pray
show Yourself to me, don't be a hapless dream
wished up by a shepherd
strayed far from the flock
a dark cloud looms as a hapless nightmare
dry rocks and firm ground keep me level
headed in the right direction
the peak draws in closer still
distant lake sits between hills, water level
calm, the wind picks up
the cloud swirl
the sky grows dark
the wind picks up
the cloud swells
the sky grows dark
the wind picks up
the path down is dry for the time being
yet the peak is within my reach
my aches long retreat
but press on with every fibre of my being
a cold droplet runs down my cheek
spills from my chin into the soil
the thirsty earth readies, swallows
a fire chases down my cheek
up, once more, up and over the rock
stand to see a shelf of green
another spire begins to tower up
a pool of blue sits in the shadow of the rock
I'd thought I'd finished, but half way up
knee bent, thigh burn, mind empty, mind churn
as darken skies begin to weep
I trudge in soil deep, but up
but up, but up, but no way down
fistfuls of plants torn from scalp
slip, sliding, tumbling
one way down
dust self, check self, myself steady
hand shake, knee weak, I'm not ready
knee floor, hands floor, crawled through a moor
soaked, beaten, hadn't eaten
I cry, I feel. Wind claws a tear from my
cheek and tosses it over my shoulder.
I stand in the day, dark clouds blown away
feel a gentle sunlight on the air
a warmth blossoms
all the raindrops burn away
up, up, farther still, still lost, but now I feel
exhausted and ready to give up
so high up cars look like shrimp
I close my eyes, I take a breath, I feel
fast gale closes in, I roll up, over, over
saw sunlight bleeding through the mist
wrays blurred behind a pile of rocks
then stones atop, then pebbles peaking over
I lie alone in darkness, shrouded with black sand and fishing rope. I watched you walk away and forget about me. You let go of me, but I’m still held down. I will fight until my last sharp breath. I will struggle as the ropes soak and the sand bows down into my breast. God, hold back the tide. I can not get up, but I will not stay down. Heaven hear me, I won’t wash into the nothing.
In an ocean of darkness, one moonlit woman with cold dilated eyes lies with me as if a word would change the tide. Take my hand, she told me. Those were your words on our last summer’s day. We bathed in light and laughed until our cheeks burned and eyes cried. Oh, I am not proud. All is lost now, the waves are taking over. I always said you took my breath away.
I’m trapped by darkness, leave me to time and tide, I don’t care any more. I’d feel my legs begin to buckle, if they weren’t numb. Take my hand, she tells me, I can see you starting to break, open your eyes, light up the sky and I’ll keep you alive. I force my hand out, up into hers. I feel her slipping away, come back to me! I cannot hold on. Don’t leave me in the dark, show me the way.
