how to determine what is right and wrong?

The debate between Buffie and Mkzara has inspired me to ask this question. Each of us has grown in different cultures and ideals. We all have what we think is right and wrong, but how can we reach that universal right or wrong and how do you personally determine it? Issues such as pre marital sex, gay marraiges, abortion, etc. How do you personally determine what is right and what is wrong? And how can we all make it universal or is it even possible for all of us to agree on such a topic?

I hope my topic is interesting lol 😆

waiting for ur replies!

OMG, Usachick, I was thinking exactly the same thing! I just finished reading Buffie's and Mkzara's debate too! 😆

Will be back with a proper reply, but just wanted to mention this.

i love your topic, but i don't want this to interefere with Buffie Vs Zara debate for just today. comments made here can help the debators . But we want them to help themselves. 😉

So i will lock up this topic temporarily, just untill the D VS D is on. Plz PM me if i forget to open the topic tommorow.

BTW, this is a very good topic. Till tommorow........... 😉

I am opening this topic. Plz continue debating. 😊

Everyone has his/her own perspective..What is right and what is wrong is very subjective..One cannot generalize....But I DO believe is that,when one believes in something and when one makes a choice,one must have the guts and gumption to stand by it...Sweeping one's deeds under the carpet plainly means that one hasnt done the right thing 😊

Umm I don't think there is a universal right or wrong.

Every situation, every person, every place calls for a different right.

I will add more later.

Right and wrong are two of the most judgemental words that exist...For me, right is something that doesnt hurt my conscience and wrong something that hurts. And society and religion does play a part in the formation of our conscience...so on such topics as gay marriages, premarital sex and all, a siren begins to scream in my mind saying 'no', as soon as I think of it. Well, I feel very confused! Our concept of what is right depends on how we have been brought up, what we have been taught..and all, I dont think its a decision made completely by us...in my case! I feel all the more confused...I'll think a bit more..and later post...U are making me think a lot! 😉

A concept of Universal right and wrong is described by the theory of Utilitarianism, which is "the greatest good for the greatest number of people". Or it may be the case that "all fools may be on one side in a majority".

I think everything develops due to practical necessity. It is only later that the morality tag is attached to something making it right or wrong.

For instance: the caste system developed as a means for division of labour. Unfortunately, humans being humans, try to cling on to permanence in a word where everything is temporary (Yes, I'm quoting the Buddha). Rigidity appeared in the caste system in the form of hereditary. People could not change occupations; it was considered wrong.

Now, we are saying that untouchability, etc. is a great evil.

So, universal morality changes with time. We can see that by the implementation of same-sex marriage rights in a country or two.

Personal morality is a sense of right and wrong a person has. It can also be a sense of right and wrong which has been ingrained in one's head from childhood. That person will look for people who share his/her outlook. He/She will possibly elect or become a political leader who preaches that brand of morality.

People who agree, will vote for his/her rule and thats how universal morality is implemented.

Similar cases can be observed among religious followings. Each religion has been formed by standards applicable to the century of its development. A leader is nothing without followers. Universal morality is non-existant without a majority agreement.

Morals are individualistic, that is true. But, in my personal opinion, what is RIGHT does not harm anyone.

👏 Tanaz.. u summed it up beautifully.. i don't have space to say more 😃 👏 but i wish to talk on this😊

In addition i think there are some universal rules too from which societies are affected in the course of time. As Tanaz said things and perceptions change with time in a society, so are Human perseptions. (the difference is that in human case the change is rapid whereas in society, it may take time). Wht i have got a thinking is that humans continuously experiment, with theories ideologies and perceptions.. i am talking abt generations.. e.g. if a certain moral law isn't working properly in the society and people aren't getting benefited, probably future generation would change that.

The same theory of Cultural evolution applies here too. But there are social classes involved e.g. the Upper class may have a different perception abt Arrange marriage as compared to Middle class belongers. So different perceptions in ONE society are also obvious.

Again i feel something... i don't know whether it is right or wrong and i don't have any history evidence to prove it- just a thought, I think that in the cycle of Cultural perception humans are bound to return to their roots in a modified form on a larger scale. The moral codes (Major ones.. right wrong codes of early times) may come back in the circle adopted by people in a new way.. may be it happens or it may not.. but this is wht i feel, humans return to where they belong!

Originally posted by: MNMS

Again i feel something... i don't know whether it is right or wrong and i don't have any history evidence to prove it- just a thought, I think that in the cycle of Cultural perception humans are bound to return to their roots in a modified form on a larger scale. The moral codes (Major ones.. right wrong codes of early times) may come back in the circle adopted by people in a new way.. may be it happens or it may not.. but this is wht i feel, humans return to where they belong!

Very true! 👏 Kind of reminds me of the Circle of Life (see, now I'm into TLK refs. too!😆)