Why Should We Be Moral?
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WHY SHOULD WE BE MORAL???
Being moral is a choice free from both internal and external factors. Unless we have some convincing reasons for being moral, there is no point in enquiring what is morally good and what is not. This question concerns reasons than causes. Also one must realize that being moral involves self denial. For example a moral person must not take BRIBE, but another person who is not moral and takes bribes may turn out to be in a financially better position. So, moral obligations lead to sacrificing of ones personal interests. So we need to justify the necessity to be moral. There are many reasons which justify being moral. A few of them are
1DIVINE COMMAND::
This is the most common reason which drives people into being moral. The reason is that I will be rewarded if I am moral or else I will be punished either in this life or in the future. This reason is selfish because one is being moral because of fear.
Also because I love God, I am obliged to him who has created me. God as our creator deserves our obedience.
2HAPPINESS::
Being moral leads to happiness and self satisfaction. We get a satisfaction out of helping others. For example, when I was in my tenth class, I was going to school to write my exam. On my way I saw a person lying on the road suffering from a heart stroke and he was unattended by anyone. If I rescued him, it would mean that I would not be able to write my exam.
But I decided that as a citizen, I was morally obliged to save a life. So, I took the initiative and took him to the hospital. I was sad that I had missed the exam but when my teachers came to know about this incident they appreciated me and this made me feel very happy. Even now whenever I remind myself of this incident it gives me a lot of personal satisfaction that I have saved a life.
3COMMON INTEREST::
Being moral refers to a social dimension. It is in the common interest of everyone. It ensures good life for everyone. For example, factories must not dump waste into the ground because it pollutes the underground water and thereby the people in the surrounding areas get affected by the pollution. This must be done on moral grounds even if there is some financial burden on the management because of dumping some where else.
Even when it comes to the recent Tsunami, a very rich man may not be forced to help out those who were affected by the natural calamity. But it is his responsibility to provide some help to the needy.
One of my uncles who owns a factory saw unemployed youth one the road, begging for food. Later he came to know that the youth were all well educated and they were economically