Are there universal moral principles that are right for all persons at all time

There are no universal moral principles that are right for all persons at all times. At any particular time, there are many variables that affects or determines the moral judgement of a person or a group. The moral character of an individual or a community is normally based on the moral convictions that was earlier on established by an individual or the community. Each individual, community nation, culture and religion have their own belief or version of what it is the consider right. This is what brings out the difference in moral standards or ethics principles that guide and governs the said party at that particular point of time. The diversity of people and their cultural norms passed from the generation of their ancestors are used as guidelines by most people in defining what is right or wrong and the consequences for any actions taken. But in every nation has its own generally accepted moral standards that are defined in their legislated laws.

What brings out the different moral codes in the world? Different regions had different norms and customs and beliefs that they followed from generation to generation and to date some of these traditions affect and structure a community way of thinking. Different societies view what is right or wrong or what is morally acceptable according to what they learnt from their culture. The diversity of people and their culture is what prevents the world from having a universal code with regards to the moral standards. What is right and just compared to what is wrong depends on one’s opinion and one’s opinion is shaped by their environment and what they pick up from their fellow countries men (Donaldson 53).

Different culture poses the problem multiculturalism (a social rational that all cultures be treated and equals and the value of diversity be respected). Though most people would agree to this since the aim is moral progress it is proving to be different because of what different cultural groups believe to be the drawing line. When it comes to certain issues such as, for example, death be it suicide, homicide or mercy killing. Though there might be a similar response when it comes to killing, most people from different cultures, nations, religion age or gender might be against it, some communities will excuse killing as a form of punishment or duty/obligation of one person to another but in other nations it’s a capital offence (Barbara and Andrew 57).

People argue that in as much different nations and communities have different moral codes and ethnic guide lines all these guidelines converge at the same point, that is humanity and what it means to be human. According to these, despite the difference, all the moral guidelines are drafted after an individual accepts and respects a person value as human, then respect that they all have a right to their basic needs and rights and finally that in unity, communities work together in order to support each other and improve their current position. But though these might be a common base in formulating some communities’ moral guidelines, it is important to note that when it comes to means of upholding one communities means may differ from the other and that’s where the moral codes diverge and differ.

The difference in opinions is normally brought about by cultural traditions, religion and relative development. Relative development refers the position of a nation or community with regards to economic security, social security and political security. For instance, a third world country might have working conditions for its employees that are not favorable and at low wages a condition that a more developed country might see as inhumane but the country is working within its economic limits. Religion dictates a lot in a community from what is moral, what is good or evil and even ho we dress. In some communities their traditions dictate that women are not supposed to rule over men but are supposed to be submissive to men and do the house chores while other they allow and accept women as their presidents. Though there is a new era rising that tries to level out all these beliefs and norms it proving to be difficult because it is hard for one to diverge from what is socially acceptable. Education gives people the knowledge but after that the society shape them (Donaldson 57).

If cultures are different and they clash, conflict will always emerge. The key issue when it comes to relativism is the need to accept and respect other people’s ethical judgements (Pojman 49). So does this mean that we tolerate some unjust actions of an individual because it is morally acceptable by their community? Most people will say no to this but the key issue about relativism is acknowledging that there is moral diversity between different cultures and judgement should not be passed to some cultural beliefs that we do not understand since it might be morally acceptable to the people. The key thing is diversity brings out difference in opinions.

Maybe currently we are all moving towards a code of universal ethics, but for this to ever be achieved there should be no imposition of one set of morals by one community on another community since no community is better than another. There should be a share way and understanding that will help all nations in entirety in stipulating what is the best code of conduct. But these can only be achieved in the event that people learn about other people cultures, history, traditions and accepting the differences. Such a scenario proves to be difficult since it is difficult to accept a set of principle that will be acceptable by all nations, religions, age and gender but the key thing is trying to come up with a frame work of principles that is shared by all communities then trying to move towards solving the differences (Boyle 67).

Conclusion: our moral beliefs will always differ at any given time since we all have a community or a people that surround us and shape the way we think and shape our moral practices. But this difference helps us in understanding the diversity of different culture. And though it might be difficult, it is important that we try to understand different cultures as it influences a community’s beliefs.  Since every community have roots that were the drawing lines for their moral belief, if we understand that and respect that it will help us in appreciating our cultures and also appreciating the reasons underlying our own beliefs. Since no man is an island, it is important to respect that at all times choices and opinions will differ as we are all morally shaped differently.

Work cited

Pojman, Louis P. How Should We Live: An Introduction to Ethics. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005. Print.

Donaldson, Thomas. "Values in Tension: Ethics Away from Home." Harvard Business Review 74.5 (1996): 48-62. Business Source Complete. Web. 31 July 2016.

Boyle, Joseph. "Universal Principles, Global Cooperation, And Moral Disagreement: A Natural Law Account." Good Society Journal 19.2 (2010): 66-74. Academic Search Premier. Web. 31 July 2016.

Motilal, Shashi. Applied Ethics and Human Rights: Conceptual Analysis and Contextual Applications. Anthem Press, 2011.

Barbara MacKinnon, Andrew Fiala. Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues. Cengage Learning, 2014.