Aiko Marrie Naul

BS-IE
WHY SHOULD I BE MORAL?
Why should I be moral? The answer to this question shall be based on
Gregory Kavkas (1984) A Reconciliation Project. In the first section, this
paper will develop the concept that morality is doing our duties and
obligations. In the second section, this paper will argue that I should be
moral because it is prudent.
THE CONCEPT OF MORALITY
According to Gregory Kavka, what is morality? Morality is doing our
duties and obligations. This is further explained by (1) following the rules of
conduct and (2) preserving our values.
Morality is following the rules of conduct. Duties and obligations
towards others are considered responsibilities because these are rules of
morality. These rules are subjected to Practice Morality. As

Kavka (1984)

defined it, it is standards of conduct actually expected of, and generally

practiced by, persons living within a given moral tradition (page 5). In other
words, it is what we are expected to do in a society governed by traditions.
Kavka also added that in morality, we must also consider how one responds
to other persons actions. Kavka then pointed out the Copper Rule, This
principle enunciates a less glittering moral ideal than the familiar Golden

Rule, which requires us to treat others well regardless of whether they treat
us well in return (Kavka 1984, p. 5). So by following the rules of conduct, it
has given conditions in order to attain the goal. That is, we should give back
the amount of actions others had done to us.
Morality is preserving our values. Morality requires us (as
prudence does not) to sacrifice our interests to the immoral, who will be all
too ready to take advantage of such a sacrifice. Note, however, that the
companion objection that morality sometimes requires us to sacrifice our
interests for others who are moral (Kavka 1984, p.6). Morality encourages
us to think what consequences will happen if we do such certain acts. In
addition, these acts should benefit everyone. This is indeed a sacrifice
because we should always think for the benefit of everyone in order to
preserve our values. Hence, this guides us to be moral at all times.
What is morality? According to Kavka, it is by following the rules
of conduct. It is not just by doing what we are expected to do by the society,
but also by giving back the amount of actions others had done to us. Second,
morality is preserving values because it is always for the common good.
Therefore, morality is doing our duties and obligations.
Reasons for Morality
According to Gregory Kavka, why should I be moral? I should be moral
because it is prudent. I should be moral because (1) I feel satisfied; (2) there
are rewards and punishments.

I should be moral because I feel satisfied. There are rewards and

punishments for certain actions. So by doing these acts, I should consider
whether I should engage into it or not. But it is always in my self-interest to
preserve values which in turn pays good intentions to others. This results to
feeling satisfied rather than feeling guilty because I know I am doing the
right thing. Hence, by maintaining this feeling of satisfaction, it gives me
peace of mind because I listened to what my interests are saying.
I should be moral because there are rewards and punishments.
Law or constitution is mandated in order to bring peace and harmony to the
society. The law teaches us to gear towards morality rather than immorality.
Disobeying the law results to punishment and following it constitutes
rewards. This law has educated our interests to always follow the good rather
than the bad. Therefore my self-interest will always to follow the rules
because it is for the common good. This makes me prudent because being
one means to play it safe and not to take large, uncontrollable risks (Kavka
1984 p.4). This brings peace and harmony to the society.
Why should I be moral? Because it is in my self-interest to pay good
intentions to others because it gives me peace of mind and at the same time
it benefits everyone. Doing these things affect my interest because of the
rewards and punishments.
prudent.

Therefore, I should be moral because it is

Why then should I be moral? The answer to this question has developed
the concept that morality is doing our duties and obligations. Also by being moral, it
is prudent.