What are moral norms and their characteristics
Moral norms are defined by models of behavior accepted by the society in which one lives.
Norms are understood to be a set of rules, therefore, moral norms They are regulations on the conduct of man in a certain society.
Moral norms are the conceptions that individuals have to distinguish good from evil with respect to ethical values. Ethical values encompass moral standards, since they constitute the theoretical framework for the way individuals act.
See also Ethical values.
Moral norms can be referred to as social normssince both govern individual behaviors towards better coexistence in society.
See also Moral values.
Characteristics of moral norms
Moral norms are defined by those belonging to a certain society and are characterized by:
Not be written. Derived from ethical values such as justice, freedom and respect. Regulate the conduct of the individual in society by creating remorse of conscience. Be autonomous, by not having a formal or effective sanction. Born from customs and habits of a society. Constitute part of the natural right of every individual.
Some examples of moral values considered universal are:
Do not lieDo not deceiveRespect othersBe kindGive priority to children, pregnant women and older adults in emergency situations.
Moral and legal norms
Moral values determine behaviors in a society. These habits impose ways of acting due to social pressure and the weight of conscience if one acts in the opposite way, such as, for example, stealing. These moral norms are translated, due to social imposition, into legal norms.
The difference between moral norms and legal norms is that the latter implies an effective sanction determined by law, however, moral norms do not formally present any type of punishment that is not social or conscientious.
The moral norms that make up the unwritten law are defined as social morality and are considered the natural right of every individual.
Moral and religious norms
Moral norms are defined by society, some of them being formalized by the legal system as a legal norm, since it is considered a behavior that benefits all citizens of a society.
When the ethical value of a society considers that the ways of acting not only involve respect and justice towards the individuals of said society, but also towards God, moral norms are confused with religious norms. In this way, religious norms act as a moral norm and are defined as a legal norm to be fulfilled by law.
See also: