Customary Morality cannot be a Guide to Modern Life

• 10 May 2024

“Without Tradition, Art is a Flock Of Sheep Without A Shepherd. Without Innovation, It Is A Corpse.”

— Winston Churchill

Morality has been an enduring facet of human civilization, guiding societal norms and individual conduct. Customary morality, rooted in tradition, cultural norms, and religious beliefs, has long served as a compass for ethical decision-making. However, in the complex landscape of the modern world, characterized by rapid technological advancements, cultural diversity, and shifting societal values, customary morality alone is insufficient to navigate the myriad ethical dilemmas.

Morality is not static, it evolves over time in response to changing social, cultural, and environmental factors. Customary morality reflects the values and norms of a particular society or community at a given time. Historically, customary morality has provided stability and cohesion within societies, offering guidelines for interpersonal behavior, justice, and governance. However, as societies become more interconnected and diverse, the limitations of customary morality become increasingly apparent.

One of the fundamental challenges of customary morality is its relativity. What is considered moral or ethical in one culture or time period may be condemned in another. For example, practices such as slavery, discrimination, and patriarchy were once widely accepted but are now universally condemned as violations of human rights. Customary morality, therefore, lacks universality and can lead to moral relativism, where ethical standards are arbitrary and subject to cultural biases. Moral relativism is a view that rejects the existence of any objective, absolute, or universal moral truths. Instead, it argues that what is considered moral depends on an individual’s context and cultural upbringing.

In some cultures, having multiple spouses (polygamy) is morally acceptable, while in others, it is condemned. Moral relativism recognizes that what is considered moral can differ significantly across cultures and historical periods.

Some cultures consider it morally acceptable to eat animal meat, while others adhere to vegetarian or vegan diets. The acceptance or rejection of meat consumption varies based on cultural norms and personal beliefs.

Furthermore, customary morality often fails to address emerging ethical issues arising from technological advancements and globalization. In the digital age, issues such as privacy rights, artificial intelligence ethics, and environmental sustainability require ethical frameworks that extend beyond traditional customs and norms. Customary morality may offer limited guidance in navigating these complex ethical dilemmas, leaving individuals and societies ill-equipped to address them effectively.

While customary morality provides a sense of belonging and identity within a community, it can also perpetuate harmful practices and injustices. Traditional customs and norms may reinforce existing power structures, marginalize minority groups, and inhibit social progress. For example, rigid gender roles prescribed by customary morality have historically limited women's rights and opportunities, hindering gender equality and social justice.

Moreover, customary morality can impede individual autonomy and critical thinking. Blind adherence to tradition and cultural norms may discourage questioning or challenging established beliefs, stifling intellectual curiosity and innovation. In a rapidly changing world, where new ideas and perspectives emerge constantly, the inability to critically evaluate and adapt customary morality can lead to stagnation and resistance to change.

In ancient India, people followed professions based on their caste. The rigid caste system dictated not only their occupation but also whom they could marry. While this system served as a form of customary morality, it restricted individual autonomy and limited opportunities for personal growth and choice. In today’s globalized and interconnected world, such rigid divisions based on caste would hinder progress and innovation.

Additionally, customary morality is often influenced by religious beliefs, which can be divisive and exclusionary in pluralistic societies. Religious doctrines may prescribe moral codes that are incompatible with secular principles or the rights of individuals belonging to different faiths or no faith at all. In multicultural societies, where religious diversity is prevalent, relying solely on customary morality rooted in religious dogma can foster intolerance and conflict.

In contrast to customary morality, which is contingent upon cultural and historical context, rationality and universal ethics offer a more robust foundation for ethical decision-making in modern life. Rationality involves critical thinking, logical reasoning, and evidence-based analysis, enabling individuals to evaluate moral dilemmas impartially and arrive at informed conclusions.

Moreover, empathy plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making, enabling individuals to understand and consider the perspectives and experiences of others. Empathy fosters compassion, cooperation, and moral solidarity, promoting social cohesion and mutual respect across diverse communities.

While customary morality has its limitations, it would be erroneous to dismiss it entirely. Customary morality embodies the collective wisdom and cultural heritage of societies, offering valuable insights into human values and social norms. However, in the face of contemporary challenges, customary morality must be complemented by modern ethical frameworks that prioritize rationality, universality, and empathy.

Education plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between customary morality and modern ethics. By promoting critical thinking skills, moral reasoning, and cultural literacy, education empowers individuals to engage critically with traditional customs and norms while embracing universal ethical principles.

Furthermore, dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders are essential for fostering ethical consensus and social cohesion. In pluralistic societies, where cultural, religious, and ideological differences abound, respectful dialogue and mutual understanding are vital for reconciling competing moral claims and values.

Customary morality has long served as a guide to human conduct, providing stability and cohesion within societies. However, in the face of rapid social, cultural, and technological change, customary morality alone is insufficient to address the complex ethical dilemmas of modern life. The evolution of morality necessitates a more nuanced approach that integrates traditional wisdom with modern ethical frameworks rooted in rationality, universality, and empathy.

By encouraging critical thinking, embracing universal ethics, and showing empathy, we can tackle the challenges of the modern world while honoring justice, fairness, and human dignity. While customary morality has been important historically, its limitations are clear today. As societies progress, our ethical frameworks must evolve. By combining rationality, universality, and empathy, we can address modern ethical dilemmas more effectively. Education and dialogue are key to bridging the gap between tradition and modern ethics. Ultimately, morality is a journey of ongoing reflection and adaptation. By approaching it with open minds and compassionate hearts, we can move towards a fairer and more inclusive society.