Reasons
These same morals that pervade human society can also be seen to some extent in the animal kingdom. This gives some credence to the idea that some moral codes are innate. Parents rear their children because it gives them a greater chance of success in their children surviving to adulthood and thus passing on the genes of the parent to future generations. the murder of useful members of society weakens the society as it hurts the citizen who committed the crime as well. Incest reduces chances of reproductive success, and therefore is not beneficial for passing on genes. Using this biological argument, anything that decreased chances of reproductive success would thus be seen as unethical or deviant, while anything that increased the chance of reproductive success would be seen as ethical.
Read more about this topic: Universal Code (ethics)
Famous quotes containing the word reasons:
“In looking back over the college careers of those who for various reasons have been prominent in undergraduate life ... one cannot help noticing that these men have nearly always shown from the start an interest in the lives of their fellow students. A large acquaintance means that many persons are dependent on a man and conversely that he himself is dependent on many. Success necessarily means larger responsibilities, and responsibilities mean many friends.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)
“Adolescents, for all their self-involvement, are emerging from the self-centeredness of childhood. Their perception of other people has more depth. They are better equipped at appreciating others’ reasons for action, or the basis of others’ emotions. But this maturity functions in a piecemeal fashion. They show more understanding of their friends, but not of their teachers.”
—Terri Apter (20th century)
“One of the many reasons for the bewildering and tragic character of human existence is the fact that social organization is at once necessary and fatal. Men are forever creating such organizations for their own convenience and forever finding themselves the victims of their home-made monsters.”
—Aldous Huxley (1894–1963)