...Belorussian any more than you would. But it meant more than just that. It was a history we were touching. Another elderly woman we met there was freed from a concentration camp by American soldiers during the second world war and implored us to thank a soldier at home. They admired America. So what gave so many all over the world such respect for our nation? It all started with that group of men in Philadelphia over 200 years ago. One of our founders, Jonathan Whitherspoon, recognized how different America was from the rest of the world and warned that: “A republic, once equally poised, must either preserve its virtue or lose its liberty.” (Congressional Record.) To understand what made America Exceptional I must answer two questions: What is virtue? And: Where does it come from? Virtue is literally means moral excellence. (Virtue – Definition.) Now what is moral has been perplexing and vexing philosophers and theologians for centuries. A commonly accepted understanding of morality is an absolute framework of right and wrong. Things such as murder, theft, and vandalism, are inherently immoral. But one thing that has been questioned even more is, where do we get our understanding of morality? Do we define it, or is there a supernatural God? Atheists find the question of moral origin troubling....
Words: 1239 - Pages: 5
...Tiange Zou ESL 102 Kate Murphy November 25, 2011 Morality: Right and Wrong People knew the meaning of the word morality in their early age because parents and teachers had tried very hard to teach children to possess the virtue qualities of morality such as caring, compassion, and courage. However, there is a tendency that people act differently when they encounter the morality in real life. For instance, some people are hesitant to help out a wounded person on the street when they assume police would do that. These people absolutely know it is wrong not to help a wounded person according to the caring aspect of morality. Knowing something is not right to do but to do, people contradict themselves by the influence of societies, individualism, and governments. First of all, societies can change people’s ideas and behaviors about morality. In other words, people will choose what others doing in a society instead of obeying the criteria of morality. Therefore, this action will emerge a moral contradiction. For instance, there was a shocking incident happened in Foshan city in the south of China. A two- year- old girl was twice hit by two different cars on a very busy street and 18 pedestrians indifferently passed the girl without doing any effort to help the girl. The girl was finally saved by a garbage collector after lying on the street for a long time (The Guardian). Many Chinese people and social medias...
Words: 1251 - Pages: 6
...The Civil War that started in eighteen-sixty-one left America scarred. Americans against Americans, the number of deaths multiplied, but what caused this war? Before the war, the practice of enslaving African-American people in the South concerned the people in the North, creating a conflict between the two regions. Because the morality of slavery differed in the Union, the citizens of America fought each other for their beliefs, creating the Civil War. Different views on the morality of slavery had the North and the South struggle to create the perfect solution that would satisfy both groups. One of the groups were slavery supporters, which was the South. John C. Calhoun, the most well-known slavery supporter politician, declared that "We of the South will not, cannot, surrender our institutions, and is so interwoven with them that to destroy [slavery] would be to destroy us as a people. . . I hold it to be good" (Calhoun). The politician claimed that the South depended on the institution of slavery so much that they could not bear to destroy the practice without destroying themselves and thought that slavery was right. Because of their need for slavery, the South would not abolish slavery without a fight....
Words: 567 - Pages: 3
...Legalizing Morality John Birster Axia College ADJ235 Jana Lynch November 10, 2013 Legalizing Morality The purpose of this paper is to provide an opinion regarding “acts that may be considered immoral … should also be illegal” The opinion should articulate “pros and cons” of the student’s opinion as a justification for law (Phoenix, 2012). In order to offer an opinion, certain assumptions need to be identified so that opinion and justifications are clear. Assumptions: the consideration of laws is confined to the United States of America. Morality is determined by religion. In this student’s opinion, acts that may be considered immoral should not be illegal. According to Madison, 1791: Amendment I of the Bill of Rights: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. Joseph Story provides commentary on this amendment by stating: “the right of a society or government to interfere in matters of religion will hardly be contested by any persons, who believe that piety, religion and morality are intimately connected with the well-being of the state.” What of the person who does not believe in religion? If a person does not have the same faith or beliefs as the society, the person is more likely to commit a crime in a society of moral laws. Example: a person who chooses to have sex with another person of the same sex in the privacy of their own home does not impose on any other person’s right of freedom. It...
Words: 408 - Pages: 2
...freedom-loving people. Morality and freedom literally belonged to them" (Douglas, 21). The roots of the concepts of freedom and morality was ingrained into not only the culture, but also was associated with the physical characteristics of an Anglo-Saxon. The genetic heritage granted these people possession of the virtues of morality and freedom. Moreover, these American foundational principles solely belongs to Anglo-Saxons and they hold the power to whom these values are granted to. Douglas claims that the Anglo-Saxons possessed rights to morality and freedom goes against the myth of the American dream where all individuals have access to these liberties that America was founded upon. This mindset of thinking is not just rooted in one generation, it was maintained by other generations by the lack of argument and not questioning the rights of freedom and morality belonging solely to Anglo-Saxons. The genetic requirement of whiteness to attain entry into American citizenship and the benefits of being considered part of America was not questioned by those who held power. America was founded on the concepts of individual thought and freedom, however, it was inevitably also founded on the mindset of whiteness. These concepts reinforced the exceptionalism of those in power, leaving no room to question the system. This concept of whiteness was eventually extended to new stock immigrants who could use their similar physical appearance to become a member of the social in group in America. Also, these...
Words: 1914 - Pages: 8
...A Farewell To America During one of the most pivotal points in American history George Washington decided he had served our country to the fullest of his ability and needed to step down so the country could continue to prosper politically, financially, and nationally. Washington had spent the majority of his life defending the colonies from any number of attackers such as; Native Americans, the British, and political factions. He was the independent light at the end of the tyrannical tunnel of British rule. He urged the American people that in order to keep the light of freedom burning bright forever, there were some things he needed them to keep in mind throughout time. Washington’s Farewell Address was a letter to the people, for the people, to explain the necessity of those illuminating concepts that would keep the darkness of corruption and fascism at bay. Most importantly Washington wrote his Farewell Address in a manor that conveyed a true sense of pride and camaraderie to the people. He explained that he had spent the vast majority of his life defending, in one way or another, America as a whole. He understood that he had been a vital asset to the foundation of the constitution and the formation of a republican representative government. Washington apologized for any wrong doings he may have made during his time of presidency and thanked the American people for supporting him throughout the difficulties. Washington spelled out the need for his retirement, his appreciation...
Words: 1265 - Pages: 6
...People either agreed with it or did not agree at all. As people fought over it back in America soldiers got an experience they will never forget. An experienced filled with terror and suffering but also filled with friendship and love. American literature has shown the struggles of the soldiers in the Vietnam War. Often times the literature tries to pull the readers in with stories to help them understand what life was like. Tim O’Brien is one of the most popular when it comes to this. In his novel, The Things They Carried, questioning morality, O’Brien gives first hand narrations of stories which show the impact of the Vietnam War on society. Tim O’Brien’s life is filled with many wonders and success. O’Brien...
Words: 1888 - Pages: 8
...child. In the back of the pictorial one of the attendees is protesting his view of socialism by carrying a red flag with the work socialism publicized on the flag. This pictorial gives a quick look in to history regarding America’s relations with surrounding nations. Aguinaldo’s criticism of America’s policies towards the Philippines echo in the 1894 cartoon is when the Spanish was eradicated from the Philippines. It was at this moment that the American guerrilla began. Cuba was under the Spanish control and America became an ally and attempted to free Cuba from their tyrannical control. The Spanish also controlled the countries of Puerto Rico and Guam at this time. Due to the corrupt treatment, Aguinaldo deciphered that those in America viewed all native of the Philippines as savages. Due to this view the land of the Philippine Island was transformed from “a land of despotism and vicious governmental methods into an enlightened and progressive republic, with America guiding them”. The documents suggest that American citizenship would not be allowed to people who were conquered. This believe was established because Americans believed that those individuals that were conquered would first need to be taught how to live as an American. This included exposure to discipline and the American standards. Aguinaldo expressed that he “refused to accept the American policies because of the...
Words: 1253 - Pages: 6
...Morality, is the principle of right or wrong, good and bad. There are three factors that are said to be the primary influences of one’s morality: religion, family and society. Morality has multiple roles in humanity. One of the roles that morality has in humanity is that it allows us to gain an understanding of others involving their behavior and choices. It also allows us to see how others are affected by choices others in positive and negative ways. It’s continuously documented throughout history and many of actions that have affect those in the past still affect us today, but we have a better understanding of the choices that we make because it has affected us before. Another role that morality has in humanity is that with witnessing the experiences that other have gone through it drives everyone to evolve and change throughout history. Religion has affected many societies throughout history, some more than others. In Mesopotamia, the citizens were mostly driven by power but were influenced by aspects of religion. The kings and rulers around 3500 b.c.e were considered “priest-kings” and would make decisions that they felt would best support the community and please the Gods and Goddesses. They regulated food supply and distribution, and provided political and religious leadership to please the Gods. They believed the gods and...
Words: 619 - Pages: 3
...divided. With morality and safety at stake, there are many differing views as to how this crisis should be handled. The recent scare of terrorism has led many Americans to feel that accepting more Syrian refugees into American borders allows for potential terrorists to enter the country easily. The common belief is if the US were to accept any outsiders coming from 'problematic' countries, it will not only become overpopulated, but will also be filled with many barbaric, and potentially dangerous, people. America does indeed have internal problems that are not yet solved. In fact, accepting too many Syrian refugees do hold potential threats to the American people in terms of scarcity....
Words: 739 - Pages: 3
...aspect of everyday life has been influenced by religion. Religion can be described as a system of shared beliefs. Christianity, being the most widely practiced religion in the world, especially in western territories such as the United States of America, Europe, and the Caribbean; has also been the most influential. Although many persons may not be practicing the Christian religion, their values and daily practices are still mandated by Christian beliefs. The biggest influence that Christianity has on everyday life probably is that the social norms that exist in society today are almost all based on the teachings of this religion. Social norms refer to rules that govern socially acceptable behaviour. Societal norms and practices in western civilizations are largely dictated by Christian beliefs. Religion greatly impacts the morality of individuals within these societies. Collectively as a society, and individually, persons attempt to live their lives in accordance with codes of morality and ethicality. Morals refer to an individual’s own principles regarding right and wrong. Ethics also relates to right and wrong conduct. There is a strong connection between religion and morality and ethics. Although these are distinct concepts, and morality can exist without a person being religious, the three are intertwined as religious creed imparts knowledge about what is seen as good and bad in accordance to the expectations of God. Individually persons internally interpret what is moral or...
Words: 1148 - Pages: 5
...George Washington’s Farewell address is a letter of resignation written to the American people stating his advice and warnings of long term safety and happiness. Washington’s letter was released to the public in September 1796 but “drafted in 1792, with the help of James Madison,” as he prepared to retire to Mount Vernon following his first term. Wikipedia.com/Washington’s farewell address. Washington’s main concerns were unity of the states, upholding the constitution, foreign alliances, government spending, religion, morality and education. UNITY OF THE STATES. Washington begins his warnings that their independence, at home and abroad, safety, prosperity, and liberty all depend on the unity of states. That their union will come under attack by foreign and domestic enemies of America “as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed”, to be suspicious and look down upon anyone who seeks to abandon the union or weaken the Constitution, to look beyond any slight differences between them in religion and politics and place their independence and freedom above all else, “With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles”, and the dangers of sectionalism arguing that the true motives are to create distrust or rivalries between regions and people to gain power and take control of...
Words: 960 - Pages: 4
...almost nonexistent. The government in the 20th century was run a lot differently from today’s government. Some of the key events that took place like the Great Depression, Civil Rights Movement, and many others put the country in an economic landslide. Many policies had to be put in place to bring revival to the souls of our fellow Americans, and through this many historical heroes arose from the crowd to try and make a difference. Although many of Americas past heroes were either assassinated or discriminated against, they put their passion into what they did until it was completed, while some even risks their lives in the process. Today’s government is run upon a strict set of guidelines that have to follow certain protocol. This protocol is based upon laws and international policy to make sure Americas economy is ran in the most efficient way. The question everyone is asking is where is the line in the sand drawn? How efficient is this new centuries government and will it sustain the morality as well as the reputation America withheld in the 1900’s. Technology plays a drastic role in today’s society. The 21st century has been named the age of technology due to the dependency Americans have grown to it. Although technological breakthroughs have made the feats of man-kind undefinable, has technology helped Americans or have we digressed as human beings? In the 1900’s technology was somewhat limited to the average person. Either government workers or the wealthy were able...
Words: 739 - Pages: 3
...completely different and unaccepted in America. But one might be surprised. Talking about an American culture isn’t that easy : indeed defining what is the American culture, what it reflects and how one lives it in an everyday basis are still unclear and need clarification and further definitions need to be established in order to live or survive in here. When contrasting, it is always interesting to compare America to a kaleidoscope of cultures : a nation in constant movement, immigrations that changed the core of the country, that got built throughout the years, and definitely a perpetual change and development of multiple different cultures that, nevertheless, share common values. Knowing...
Words: 1279 - Pages: 6
...Moral Evolution The original theorist of morality, Greek philosopher Aristotle, postulated that the attainment of life’s ultimate happiness was contingent upon the implementation of virtuous deeds (Boss, 2017). To elucidate further, the concept of virtue embodies an ethical theory which inserts value upon one’s character, rather than their adherence to societal rules (Parry, 2014). To this effect, Aristotle promoted the idea that focusing on being a good person would eventually reap good deeds in turn (Parry, 2014). Nevertheless, when analyzing the morality (or lack thereof) of deplorable serial killers such as Ted Bundy, many questions concerning the relationship between their moral development and the inception of their calcified...
Words: 1563 - Pages: 7
