Explain the difference between morality and the law. Give one example in which an action is deemed morally but not legally wrong and one example in which an action might reasonably be judged legally but not morally wrong.
Morality and the law.
Full Answer Section
Here are some examples of actions that may be considered legally wrong but not morally wrong:
- Marijuana use: Marijuana use is illegal in many countries, but there is no moral consensus on whether or not it is wrong. Some people believe that marijuana use is morally wrong, while others believe that it is not.
- Same-sex marriage: Same-sex marriage is legal in many countries, but it is still illegal in some countries. There is no moral consensus on whether or not same-sex marriage is wrong. Some people believe that same-sex marriage is morally wrong, while others believe that it is not.
Sample Answer
Sure. Morality and law are two different systems of rules that govern human behavior. Morality is a set of principles that govern what is right and wrong, while law is a set of rules that are enforced by the government.
Morality is often based on religious beliefs or personal values, while law is typically based on the needs of society as a whole. Morality is also more subjective than law, meaning that what is considered moral can vary from person to person. Law, on the other hand, is more objective, meaning that it is based on rules that are agreed upon by society.
Here are some examples of actions that may be considered morally wrong but not legally wrong:
- Stealing from a friend: Stealing is generally considered to be morally wrong, but it is not always illegal. For example, if you borrow a friend's car without their permission, you may be considered to have stolen the car, even though you did not intend to keep it.
- Lying to your parents: Lying is generally considered to be morally wrong, but it is not always illegal. For example, if you lie to your parents about your whereabouts, you may be considered to have lied, but you will not be breaking the law.