According to Peter Alces, morality is dynamic and may change over time, both from the individual and the group perspective. For example, slavery was once considered acceptable, a societal norm, a necessary economic institution (Alces). Yet, now it is perceived as vile and unnatural. It is considered a shameful era of history. Adultery was once considered a great sin, both for the individual and for society. Hester's adultery caused a woman to cry out, "This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die" (Hawthorne Chapter 2). Today, adultery, while not necessarily condoned, is typically regarded as a private matter.
Thaddeus Metz writes, "Wrongness admits of degrees...some actions are more wrong than others...There is a ranking of wrong acts" (Metz). For example, stealing a loaf of bread to ward off hunger is not quite the same as stealing a new dress for the prom. Skipping class to play video games is not the same as forgetting to pay for one's share of office coffee (Metz).
In order to maintain civilization, society does have a right to set laws and boundaries. However, morality laws are destined to change...
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now