What Are Some Moral Ideals?

Moral ideals are an essential element to all great systems of philosophy. While specifics about ethical actions and moral responsibilities may differ from one philosophy to another, certain ideals are generally present that act as guideposts to behavior. While religions provide a framework for many moral ideals, many of these behavioral guideposts can be adhered to regardless of spiritual belief or disbelief.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle proposed a moral ideal based upon accordance with the societal mean. This ideal is expressed in the concept that proper moral behavior is always accomplished by remaining in accordance with the mean. This statement can be broken down to mean that the perfect morality is one that is constantly situated halfway between the extremes. Morality is therefore accomplished by acting in moderation in all things.

The Ten Commandments of Judaism provides a number of different examples of moral ideals. Commandment Six provides the ultimate morality regarding mortality by urging believers to refrain from committing murder. This moral ideal is an essential part of most codified secular laws around the world. It is important to note that the Thou Shalt Not Kill carries a much different meaning than Thou Shalt Not Murder and provides a much more difficult justification for killings conducted in war or in self defense.

A number of different philosophers that include Thomas Hobbes and Immanuel Kant include among their discourse an examination of the moral ideal of keeping promises. A promise is an ethical contract that depends upon the morality of not breaking that contract. The moral ideal that one should never break a promise is universal and can also be viewed as the underlying basis for contractual law in which the equivalent of breaking a promise is not just considered immoral, but illegal.

A civil war broke out in the United States over a number of issues and high among those issues was the view taken toward a moral ideal that is actually a rather recent introduction. This ideal can be stated simply in terms of not depriving an innocent human being of his freedom. Slavery is the ultimate denial of this moral ideal that is not considered immoral even in such moral guidebooks as the Holy Bible.

Some moral ideals are clung to universally under certain circumstances, but openly rejected in others. The ideal that one should obey the law is essential for maintaining a civilized society. This ideal cannot possibly be universally practiced due to unjust laws. A law need not be unjust to justify breaking the ideal. While most Americans adhere to the moral ideal in the face of committing murder or being protected against theft, these very same Americans are likely to ignore laws related to observing posted speed limits.