Exploratory Essay on Morality

Morality is a concept that can differ from society to society, depending on what perceptions held by people in the community. For instance, an action that is deemed right in one community might not necessarily hold for another society (Travis 86). The fact that people have divergent opinions on the view of life is what makes differentiated views on morality. It is essential to be tolerant in life in a bid to accommodate each individual’s way of thinking about a specific concept. To meet the requirements of the assignment, the study will draw attention from various the film “The Matrix,” “The Truman Show” and the “The Allegory of the Cave” by Plato represent lessons that are an accurate depiction of human life. The study seeks to use various examples to explain the concept of morality within society (Travis 88). The research needs to borrow from other artists and authors, especially on life matters such as morality.

Morality is based on doing what is presumed to be right in the society based on some aspects. For instance, it is morally wrong to cause an action that makes one feel worse off than they were. It encompasses a code of conduct that is generally acceptable by people from the community, and each individual is expected to conform (Kalajtzidis 159). Consequentialist philosophers would say that morality is based on the consequences that face an action. For instance, in such a community, one would see the punishment or reward that they get back for being part of an action. Actions that are deemed beneficial in this case are considered to be right, while those that have negative consequences are presumed to be immoral. Based on the consequentialist philosophy, one should weigh the significant impact of the actions before deciding whether it is moral or immoral (Kalajtzidis 166). As such, the view of morality is twisted depending on an individual’s beliefs. The Truman Show depicts some form of reality that is like a TV show. The show shows the real picture of what is happening in most communities on the reality of life and morality.

Aristotle had different views on morality as compared to the consequentialist school of thought. The philosopher views morality as a fact that people practice through habit and learning. For instance, when one is used to adore and respect the old, the same norm is expected to be morality for them (Metz 99). Equally, when growing generations are not taught on what is deemed right, they might end up practicing bad habits as moralities. In essence, morality is relative depending on one’s perception, which can well be demonstrated in Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave.” One community can view an action as evil while in a different society, the same action is a norm. In the philosophy Plato is quoted…“True, how could they see anything but the shadows if they were never allowed to move their heads?” This is an indication of the anonymity of life depending on situations. Aristotle’s view on morality implies that it is through practice and learning that morality can be instilled within the society.

Morality can be defined on the level of happiness that an individual derives from taking part in an action. The definition of morality using happiness as a parameter has been challenged as one serves his/her interest. In such a case, one views an action as right since it derives a certain degree of happiness in their life (Metz 100). To every individual in society, life is like a show that only we can unfold. “The Matrix” is an example of a film that depicts life as a mystery that is differentiated from one person to another. Sometimes in life, one questions the role of morality and how best to define it. Like a mystery evident in “The Truman Show,” morality is a concept that has attracted divergent views from different people across the world.

People have different opinions on various matters, depending on the perception they hold on a specific concept. The Matrix and The Truman Show are examples of TV series’ that can help one understand complicated concepts such as morality (Knox 9). Sometimes, what we see might not be the exact representation of what they are due to perception. The fact that morality is a varied concept across each society makes Plato’s philosophy in the “Allegory of the Cave,” a relevant input for the study. Aspects of life take different dimensions depending on perceptions that exist in each society (Knox 13). Each individual has a different version of life that depends on circumstances they have failed in life, making it seem like a TV show.

In conclusion, morality is an aspect that is differentiated depending on what is deemed right and vital in a society. Different philosophers have differentiated opinions on the basis for classifying an action as right or wrong. For instance, Aristotle believes morals are actions that people repeatedly do. In comparison to Plato’s philosophy, morality is an abstract concept that is based on perception and understanding of various matters. People should be tolerant enough to accommodate divergent views on morality in each society. The consequentialist philosophy tries to define morality based on the rewards that accrue to an action. One must weigh the consequences of an action for it to be classified as morally upright or wrong.

Works Cited

Kalajtzidis, Ján. “Ethics of social consequences as a contemporary consequentialist theory.” Ethics & Bioethics (in Central Europe) 3.3-4 (2013): 159-171.

Knox, Simone. “Reading” The Truman Show” Inside Out.” Film Criticism 35.1 (2010): 1-23.

Metz, Thaddeus. “Ethics in Africa and in Aristotle: some points of contrast: special theme articles.” Phronimon 13.2 (2012): 99-117.

Travis, Roger. “Bioshock in the cave: Ethical education in Plato and in video games.” Ethics and game design: Teaching values through play. IGI Global, 2010. 86-101.