Essay: Are Moral Truths Universal?

Amos Mawia

Writerbay

Essay        

17. Oct. 2014

Essay:  Are moral truths universal?

Every human being on this planet is guided by certain societal norms that contribute greatly towards the well-being of a community and the world at large. There are universal moral truths that have been formed since these norms have similarities throughout societies globally. Similarities in social and religious norms have brought about universality in moral truths. For example, killing is bad in America, it is also bad in Kenya and all world over. Nobody has the moral authority of taking someone else’s life.

Religion has gone a long way in categorizing these uniformities into what we consider good and bad. Through the promise of heaven and hell, religion has made people shape their morality thereby developing universal moral codes. It seems the fear of places we have never been to or things we have never experienced always drives us into succumbing to demands. Apparently, fear and intimidation is the most efficient method to pass on memes, history and abstract spirituality from one generation to another.

Moreover, morality is a question of indoctrination. When we grow up, our moral and ethical compass is entirely forged by the people around us. What is right and wrong is a product of indoctrination. Doctrines from religious books, religious leaders and from the traditional perspective has shaped our morality. Even our conscience is tamed by these doctrines. Many moral truths are universal due to these doctrines that we receive right from childhood - our mothers being our first indoctrinators.  Even country laws play a vital role in aligning numerous social norms in harmony. Through government programs like mass education and social integration, there has been harmony in moral truths throughout societies.  

In conclusion I strongly believe that most moral truths are universal. Much of what is termed bad in one society is also termed bad in other societies and vice versa.