Wrongdoing for Personal Gain

Will the temptation to engage in wrongdoing for personal gain be too great? An objective approach would be to ask, “Do his values come from some higher power or supernatural being.” If so, he believes there is a higher power that embodies the highest good. He will follow the principles or teachings of this supernatural being and fear some kind of punishment for disobeying this higher morality. A subjective approach would be to ask, “Do his values come from within himself, based on the values he places on things.” If he is a just and upright man, he will act on the basis of enlightened self-interest. This means he believes it is generally better to do good rather than bad for him and the society for which he is a member. It is in his self-interest to do good because everyone else will benefit. The society as a whole will live in peace, order, and happiness. I do not believe the temptation will be too great if he is a just and upright man.

Knowing there will be no punishing consequences, would a good person quickly turn into a scoundrel? From an objective standpoint, he will probably turn into a scoundrel. Self-interest will overcome any desire to be good. From a subjective viewpoint, he will hold true to his values even though there will be no punishment. The values he holds within himself will allow him to promote his self-interest while keeping peace and harmony within the society.

Given the situation, why would anyone be moral? Individual, social, and supernatural morality must be considered when answering this question. Most moral conflicts arise in the social morality aspect. Enlightened self-interest, tradition and law, and common human needs are a few reasons why anyone should be moral. Morales allow us to live together by providing order, peace, and happiness. Morales help improve the quality of life for everyone involved. I would hope my values would allow me to remain a good person and hold back the temptation of promoting personal