Objective moral reality posits that moral truths are universal and exist independently of human perception or cultural agreement.
Objective moral reality, often referred to simply as objective morality, is the belief that moral principles and values are universally true and exist independently of individual opinions or cultural norms. This perspective maintains that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, irrespective of what any person or society believes or feels.
Core Characteristics
In an objective moral reality, moral principles are not human inventions but rather fundamental aspects of existence. Key attributes include:
- Universality: Moral truths are considered to apply to all individuals, in all places, at all times. They are not conditional on specific groups, historical periods, or personal circumstances.
- Independence: These moral principles are believed to exist autonomously, separate from human consciousness, emotions, or societal consensus. They are discovered, not created.
- Impartiality: An action's moral status (right or wrong) is determined by its inherent properties, not by subjective feelings, personal preferences, or prevailing societal trends.
As defined, "In this view, the way a person acts, or the actions that they take, are deemed right or wrong regardless of personal beliefs or societal context." This means that an action deemed objectively wrong remains wrong even if an entire culture endorses it or if an individual experiences no guilt performing it.
Objective vs. Subjective Morality
Contrasting objective moral reality with subjective moral viewpoints helps to clarify its nature:
| Feature | Objective Moral Reality | Subjective Morality |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Truth | Independent, universal principles | Individual feelings, cultural norms, personal preferences |
| Nature of Right/Wrong | Absolute, inherent, non-negotiable | Relative, based on opinion or context |
| Applicability | Applies universally to everyone | Varies from person to person or culture to culture |
| Example | Intentional torture of innocent beings is always wrong. | What feels right for one person may not feel right for another. |
Practical Implications
The concept of an objective moral reality has profound implications for ethics, law, and human interaction:
- Universal Moral Obligations: If morality is objective, there are universal moral duties and obligations that are binding on all rational beings, regardless of their personal beliefs or background.
- Basis for Accountability: Individuals can be held genuinely accountable for actions that violate these universal standards, transcending personal conviction or cultural upbringing.
- Moral Progress: The notion of moral progress (e.g., the global movement against child labor, the expansion of human rights) gains coherence. If morality were purely subjective, changes would merely be shifts in preference, not genuine improvements toward a higher standard.
For example, if it is an objective moral truth that "causing gratuitous suffering is wrong," then this act would be wrong for anyone, anywhere, at any time, even if a particular society practiced it or an individual felt no remorse. This foundational belief provides a stable framework for ethical discussions and the concept of universal human dignity.
