12 Examples of Morals and Ethics for everyday life

The world is a very diverse place in which each culture establishes what is right and what is wrong to do.

What is correct is defined both by legal norms, which when broken imply crimes, or moral norms, which can cause social rejection of those who do not obey them.

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What is morality?

Morality is a concept that refers to the set of behaviors socially well seen, which depend on the culture of each country and its religion. In contrast, ethics is the set of individual values ​​that guide the behavior of a person.

What is moral in one country may be frowned upon in another, therefore one must be aware of the cultural diversity that exists on our planet and be careful not to behave in an offensive way in the Foreign.

examples of morality

The morality of each culture offers a series of rules that define what is appropriate. Not necessarily that it is moral means that it is appropriate.

Then we present some moral maxims and examples of morally acceptable conduct in most cultures.

1. Tell the truth

In most cultures, it is considered a fundamental maxim. Telling the truth implies being sincere and not lying, although lying may be beneficial to us.

However, this maxim accepts certain types of lies, as would be the case of seeing a chase between a victim and her aggressor, knowing where the persecuted person is hiding and lying to the aggressor to prevent him from finding her.

There are also other specific situations, inculcated from a young age, that imply the obligation not to say the truth, as would be the case of saying what one really thinks of someone with respect to their physique or other aspects.

2. generosity and altruism

Sharing one's own is considered morally and socially cooperative, especially if it is for the purpose of guaranteeing the welfare of others and the prosperity of the community.

3. Do not contradict what society commands

Each culture has a series of rules that makes it work in a certain way and according to an elaborate ideology. for hundreds of years of history.

Not following the norm, whether in behavior, thought, clothing or other aspects, can be seen as an attack on the culture and traditions of a country.

For example, in the most fundamentalist Islamic societies, where women are forced to wear the veil, the fact of not wearing it would be considered immoral conduct, in addition to being punishable by law.

4. Respect for the life

This moral maxim is typical of cultures with Christian influence. Both the physical integrity of oneself and that of others must be respected, considering murder and suicide the maximum exponent of the violation of this premise.

However, this maxim presents a certain controversy depending on what situations, such as cases of abortions in which, if not carried out endangers the life of the mother, or in euthanasia, since it can be seen as unethical to allow a person to continue suffering.

5. Treat others the way you want to be treated

Basically it can be reduced to not doing to others what you don't want them to do to you. We usually refer to this maxim as "the golden rule".

In Ancient Mesopotamia this premise was very clear, both morally and legally, and basically many laws present in the Hammurabi's Code start from the idea of ​​an eye for an eye, executing the sentences in the same way in which the acts had been carried out. vandalism

6. don't cheat

The quick and easy way may not be morally acceptable. In Western society, the value of effort and perseverance is instilled, with which cheating is considered inappropriate behavior.

When playing a sport or taking an exam, you should offer your best and behave respectfully. Sacrifice and perseverance are values ​​that are very well seen morally.

7. Loyalty

Be firm to your own ideals and not leave aside the social group to which you belong, such as family or group of friends. The abandonment of ideals or not fulfilling them can be interpreted as hypocrisy and turning your back on those close to you is considered treason.

However, it can be seen as correct to leave the group when it behaves immorally or carries out inappropriate behavior.

8. Rejoice in the merits of others and not be envious

A socially cooperative behavior is to be happy for what others have achieved, regardless of whether one himself has contributed to achieving it.

9. Live according to the will of God

For example, in Christian societies this premise is part of the Ten Commandments of the law of God, in which the way in which believers should live is indicated so as not to offend God and thank them for their very existence.

Japanese morality: various examples

Japanese culture is a very complex religious and moral society.. Unlike in the West, in Japan actions are not perceived as good or bad but alone, but they must be done respecting a series of duties and obligations.

It is curious how some behaviors that in our culture we would see as inappropriate, such as infidelity or substance abuse, in Japan they are not seen as something negative and are even defended and perceived as something natural.

The Japanese code of conduct is based on three concepts, which are like gears that work together to define good behavior in the country of the rising sun.

1. tour

The Japanese consider that at birth a series of debts are contracted with the parents, like the fact of receiving a name and having been brought into the world. This idea is somewhat similar to the one in the West regarding Original Sin, however without the negative connotation.

2. On

Arises from interaction with other people, when favors are given or received, or other altruistic behavior. The idea of ​​being in debt acquires a point that verges on the exaggeration in Japan, becoming perceived as something that will never be fully satisfied and relationships are deeply influenced thus.

This idea is what is behind the fact that the Japanese thank each other several times.

3. Chu

It is a patriotic duty, which refers to the respect that should be felt for Japan, its law and the emperor.

Today these three ideas are strongly present, but in feudal Japan they played a much more conspicuous role. For example, if a samurai was insulted in public, his giri was dirty and he had the obligation to clean it, exercising his revenge on the one who had offended him, usually in a duel.

However, if this situation occurred in the imperial palace, the chu had to be taken into account, since attacking another person there meant offending the emperor. That is why the solution to this situation would be the death of the offended party, committing harakiri or honorable suicide.

Bibliographic references:

• Aznar, Hugo (1999). Ethics and journalism. Codes, statutes and other self-regulatory documents. Paid.
• Camps, v. (1990). Public virtues, Madrid, Spain, Espasa Calpe.
• Maliandi, Ricardo (2004). Ethics: concepts and problems.
• Rachels, James (2007). Introduction to moral philosophy.
• Zavadivker, Nicholas (2004). Unfounded ethics.