Moral reasoning principles and ethical decision-making frameworks

¶ … reasoning that moral reasoning is determining what is right or wrong in a situation is acceptable but confusion arise from understanding what is wrong and what is right. Though universal with intercultural variations, it cannot be argued that it is only based on the perception of right or wrong. As a support to this, it is correct that cultures have varying beliefs and opinions and view moral reasoning differently. In China for example, bowing down to elders is a moral act but in America nobody bows to the elders. Besides, Chinese focus on group welfare which is the opposite for American culture which favors individualism.

Second Response

It is generally acceptable that moral reasoning varies based on people's reasoning and beliefs; this response upholds that morality depends on whether a person's act will harm the other or not which is a rational ideology. This belief is awkward since it is not possible to gauge a person's perception of your actions; whether good or bad that is what is good for you may be bad for the other person. Though Hindu and American morality concepts are contrasting; the American being more individualistic while Hindu is socialist, they deeply care for parents. In support, it is true that culture shapes people's views concerning moral reasoning. Americans disregard collectivism attitudes which Hindus are great proponents.

Third Response

Determining what is wrong or right based on what you are taught is correct since society shapes our cultural thinking. However, whatever a particular society teaches may not be acceptable to everybody; this argument fails to convince a person why they should be morally upright. As an example, Africans view morality based on biblical teachings the same as Puerto Ricans. In both cultures, morality entails upholding the familial name by displaying good character to avoid tarnishing the family's reputation. Arguing that cultural differences regarding moral reasoning remain unclear is correct requiring further debate and research. Additionally, morality is unrelated to behavior despite the influence culture has on an individual's belief of morality; this argument is definitely correct and non-debatable.

Fourth Response

As a person develops so his perception of morality changes; during childhood people obey rules without questioning, in middle ages, they uphold these morality standards and later on they become aware of universality and contrast of social norms. Despite these stages, some individuals fail to uphold these teachings which make this theory debatable. African-Americans get social norms via church, family and communal teachings just like Native Americans. Both cultures believe in collectivism lifestyles but different is some perspectives; for Africans, they internalize their woes openly which affect the whole society which is negative for Natives. Nevertheless, it is rational that culture influences moral reasoning though other factors also play major roles.

Fifth Response

Moral reasoning does not only entail adhering to moral principles but also cultivating the notion of morality in the society by taking care of other people's beliefs. According to the Chinese culture, children uphold humane relationships with Icelandic children doing the opposite. Support is accorded to the notion that individuals from collectivistic cultures make correct and fair decisions is necessary; this differs between Hindu Indians and European-Americans. Hindus maintain societal responsibilities while Americans tend to be inconsiderate for such requirements. On the same note, Chinese base their belief on Confucianism and Taoism while European-Americans rely on Christian teachings; Chinese are more accommodating due to their strict adherence to religion which is the opposite for European-Americans. In this regard, interpersonal relations should be cultivated in most cultures just like Hindu Indians whose morality is based on culture brings about the desired results.