Essential Moral Principles Universally Upheld Across All Cultures Remain Consistent
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The debate over whether a universal ethical code exists has lingered for centuries, but recent research suggests that there may indeed be a common moral code shared by all human societies. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford and published in the journal Current Anthropology tested the theory of "morality-as-cooperation" by examining ethnographic reports from 60 cultures around the world.
The study's findings suggest that everyone, everywhere, shares a common moral code, and that cooperating and promoting the common good is the right thing to do. The researchers found that the seven cooperative behaviors listed in the theory of "morality-as-cooperation" are universally treasured in every society for which data was available. These behaviors include helping kin, helping your group, reciprocity, bravery, deferring to superiors, dividing disputed resources, and respecting prior possession.
The study's findings could have a significant impact on humanity as a whole. By identifying these universal morals, we can promote mutual understanding between people of different cultures and an appreciation of what we have in common, and how and why we differ.
The seven moral rules identified reflect essential cooperative norms found repeatedly in cross-cultural research. Helping kin aligns with genetic self-preservation, reducing behaviors like incest due to its detrimental genetic impact. Helping the group and reciprocity foster social cohesion, loyalty, and exchange critical to group survival. Bravery and fair division of resources aid effective conflict resolution, while deferring to superiors helps maintain social order. Respecting prior possession limits conflict over resources.
Additional theoretical frameworks, such as Kohlberg’s moral development theory, posit that individuals reach higher moral reasoning stages by adopting universal ethical principles, which align closely with these universal morals. Cultural studies and psychological evidence also support that moral reasoning and pro-social behavior are grounded in both biological predispositions and social learning.
While some philosophers, like David Hume, have argued that principles such as truth, justice, courage, and fidelity have been esteemed universally since the foundation of the world, others, like John Locke, were less convinced and believed that such virtues may not be universally accepted. The findings of the Oxford study support Hume's argument, while countering Locke's.
The study's findings have the potential to promote mutual understanding between people of different cultures and an appreciation of what we have in common, and how and why we differ. By recognizing these universal moral principles, we can work towards a more peaceful and cooperative world.
