Running Head: What Defines Right or Wrong 1

Running Head: WHAT DEFINES RIGHT OR WRONG 1
What Defines Right or Wrong
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WHAT DEFINES RIGHT OR WRONG 2
What Defines Right or Wrong
Human beings are the most distinct of all living creatures because of one
undistinguishable ability ─ evaluation. On the basis of this one ability, humans have conquered
the impossible. They evaluate their surroundings, like nature, space, earth, and come up with
something mesmerizing. Humans can easily evaluate anything as right or wrong. However, it has
been observed in most cases that they try to suppress their own evaluation and analysis under
their religious beliefs. In line with this, the conscience of a human plays a fundamental role in
defining what is right and what is wrong. Moreover, the human conscience provides self-
feedback for any act done by a person; if the feedback is positive, the act done is right, and if the
feedback given by one’s conscience is negative, the act done is wrong.
To believe in something means to follow a specified idea without its evaluation or
analysis, and without any proof to support its appropriateness. Such idea can only be a belief of a
person if it is obtained from a highly credible source, which in most religions is a prophet sent by
God or a trustworthy source like the Holy Books. There are so many religious beliefs and ethical
values spread all over the world and followed by different people. These beliefs and ethical
values subconsciously design the perception and culture of a group of people or a religion. A
member of such group or religion would follow the procedures taught to him or her without
raising any question regarding its aptness.
There are some acts which can be clearly regarded as immoral or wrong, but some people
deny this fact only because God told them that the act is right. For example, killing someone is
unquestionably wrong, but in some religions, killing someone for some religious reasons is a
norm. People kill others for minor reasons only because they perceive this act to be right. Their
perception is developed by religious beliefs and what God has told them.
According to Josh McDowell (1994), people are conditioned by their society since their
childhood. What they see, what they hear, and what they observe others do are factors that get
imprinted in their minds. Consequently, when they grow up, they deny rationality and put their
religious beliefs forward instead of following logical reasons. These beliefs hinder such people
from clearly understanding the logic and truth behind a religious law, or analyzing the rationality
behind any course of action advised by their religion.
John Deigh (1995) describes this as the difference between morality and ethics. Morality
is something that is prima facie right or wrong; there is no question in it. A person can easily
evaluate something as moral or immoral. Meanwhile, in ethics, something that is clearly immoral
can also be regarded as ethical in some circumstances. For instance, killing someone for going
against religious rules is supposed to be ethical in certain religions. However, it is completely
wrong when one considers the right for freedom of choice. Ethics is developed by the beliefs
prevailing in a society; therefore, it is difficult to go against ethics even if it is immoral.
In conclusion, it can be stated that being right or wrong is defined by a person’s
conscience. People deny the rationality of an act because of their religious beliefs and their
perception. In order to understand the truth behind a belief, a person must evaluate the object as
right or wrong, and he or she must analyze the self-feedback provided to him or her by his or her
own conscience.
References
Deigh, J. (1995). Ethics vs. morals and morality. Retrieved August 30, 2010, from
http://www.philosophyblog.com.au/ethics-vs-morality-the-distinction-between-ethics-
and-morals/
McDowell, J., & Hostetler, B. (1994). Right from wrong. Dallas, Tex: Word Pub.

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Running Head: WHAT DEFINES RIGHT OR WRONG 1

What Defines Right or Wrong

What Defines Right or Wrong

feedback given by one’s conscience is negative, the act done is wrong.

To believe in something means to follow a specified idea without its evaluation or

raising any question regarding its aptness.

behind any course of action advised by their religion.

against religious rules is supposed to be ethical in certain religions. However, it is completely

prevailing in a society; therefore, it is difficult to go against ethics even if it is immoral.

In conclusion, it can be stated that being right or wrong is defined by a person’s

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