Moralism

Moralism is the firm belief that humans are instilled with morals which govern themselves, and by following these morals humans can achieve a more meaningful life than they would if these morals were ignored. Moralism in the religious spectrum maintains that it is not right, or that it is immoral, for one to blindly believe something. Therefore, Moralism firmly holds to the ideology that humans should not try to explain what they cannot prove. Instead, Moralists, or (Moralismists) hold that only what is proven by science is accepted, and since many theories of the world's creation are not proven by science, Moralism does not follow them, but it does not reject them either. They hold that the creation of the world is not yet explainable by science, and since we cannot yet explain it, though we should try to, we should not believe in any explanation until it is proven. Instead Moralists implore man to use reason and logic to try to find proof for what is unexplainable, as well as to enjoy the beauties of this world. They further suggest man to follow his morals to the greatest extent possible, and by doing so, not only create a utopian social cohesion, but also a chance in a possible heaven. [Michael Newman. "Morals in Theory" p. 6]

The following is an unofficial motto, as there is no organized governing body on the matter, which is, of course merely ideological: morality through knowledge; knowledge through understanding; and understanding through devotion.

History

The history and origin of Moralism is unclear and relatively modern. Many credit David Hume for laying the foundations, as well as Blaise Pascal and the French Moralists' conception of morality. Further people credited for the creation are Thomas More for his creation of a utopian society, as well as Epicurus. Additionally, the moral emphasis in Judaism some claim created the moral aspect of Moralism. The date of the origin is not really known, but most guess it to be some time in the late 19th century.

Essential Components of Moralism

Guiding Hand

An elementary concept of Moralism is the idea of a "guiding hand." This concept is used to explain the origin of morals. It does not specify where morals come from, whether by God or society, but it does explain that humans are implemented with morals. These morals cannot be removed from people, only ignored, and there are a certain sum of morals which every human has. This guiding hand also explains that there is something called "society morals," which is a figure of society which changes rapidly with the "moral backlash." These society morals often contrast with an individual's morals, and when this happens a man is implored to take the stricter approach and not defy either society or his own morals. The guiding hand's origin is unknown and unexplained, as Moralists do not try to explain that which they cannot understand.

Society Morals

Society morals is the basic code which a society generally accepts as moral. These are usually more lenient than a individual's morals, and therefore they often contrast. These society morals are also more prone to rapid change and are the primary factors which are changed by "moral backlash." These changes in society then drag an individual's morals in its path.

Moral Backlash

One interpretation of moralism is that society's morals start at a certain high point (usually at the birth of nationhood) yet subsequently deteriorate, though not in an irreversible manner. They can then react to some social movement and improve again, sometimes to greater heights than before; however, they will likely begin to decline again at some point in the future, and this process goes on indefinitely at varying intensities. Nonetheless, there is a possibility of a so-called moral period, which can postpone, or in some cases prevent, any imminent decline.

Moral Period, Dry Era

A moral period is when something catastrophic happens to society, such as a war, where much of the society is involved. This then can slow down, and even elevate a societies moral's during a moral decline. A dry era is a society which is constantly in catastrophe and therefore its morals do not act the same as those of a regular society.

Moralism and Other Beliefs

Moralism and Agnosticism

Agnosticism is the philosophical view that the truth value of certain claims is either currently unknown or inherently unknowable. This is standpoint is in accordance with Moralisms 'noncommital' views which hold that any notion unproven by science is unacceptable, therefore Moralism does not follow them yet does not reject them either.

Moralism and Atheism

Atheism is a lack of belief in a god, and although on the surface may seem compatible with Moralism, which neither disputes nor agrees with theism by itself, since Moralism must not make any assumptions it is in fact incompatible because Atheism professes to an unprovable absolute. Whereas Moralism states humans should not try to explain what they cannot prove, Atheism's rejection of the existence of a god runs counter to Moralism.

Moralism and Deism

Deism is a set of beliefs that primarily includes an inactive creator. A typical personification is that of a clockmaker. Once the clockmaker is finished with his work, he is no longer actively engaged in it. The allusion in this instance would imply that miracles are possible, yet the deity chooses not to perform them for the eyes of mankind on Earth. [Reill, Peter Hanns; Ellen Judy Wilson title = Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment] Moralism, in contrast, does not make any assumption and therefore does not believe in any existence of god. The stress of morals in Moralism also surpasses the stress in deism. [Michael Newman. "Morals in Theory" pp. 25-27.]

Moralism and Religion

Since Moralists feel that it is immoral to believe something which one is not sure is true, it generally separates itself from any mythological religion. Even though some religious folk still try to associate themselves with Moralism on the grounds of being sure that their respective religion is true, Moralists still try to have their "belief" only encompassing individuals of the same point of view.

Moralism and Society

Moralism and Government

Moralism does not associate itself with any government directly. However, being that it comprises moral law and learning, a just and advanced government would seem to flow better. Though Moralism favors heavy punishment, it also supports the idea of every human being able to live a life of equal opportunity. While many capitalist governments do grant this, many Moralists Fact|date=May 2008 feel socialism is a better alternative.

Moralism and Learning

A large emphasis in Moralism in learning. Therefore Moralists are extremely pro-schooling, and youth organizations. Moralists support this not only because they feel it is an essential necessity in enjoying and living a virtuous life, but they also support such for the potential longevity of the human race.

References