What keeps us from being wicked?

[Vatman]

Virtue may be its own reward but what about those of us who choose vice over virtue. Vice can also be its own reward. I can think of plenty of things that aren't virtuous yet have a reward and will bring me lots of pleasure. If there are no consequences in this world for vice other then your own sense of morality, which is subjective, why then not engage in vice? For without absolute morality why should one not be an egoist?

My point is mainly about subjective morality. With absolute morality absent where is the justice in the world?

Let me pose my question from another angle. Without religion/authority I.E absolute morality where is the reason not to be wicked. You can argue you don't need religion/absolute morality to be virtuous and I agree but then you are free to be wicked without any consequences other then self-inflicted ones since you are basically "God", the ultimate authority on morality.

[Darthmat]

For me, personally, I feel bad when I do something I feel is wrong, and vice versa. What more do I need?

[Cilaos]

If it doesn't hurt anyone I don't have a problem in the slightest with indulging in vice.
Though I do sometimes feel guilty for the simple fact that there are many people who can barely stay alive much less indulge, which has lead to a desire to do some good in the world if I get the chance.

I don't think a God has anything to do with an absolute set of morals because religion often contradicts its self.
Hypocrisy!

[Milk2Go]

Nothing, really. I just choose not to be wicked.

[SoulRiser]

I feel good when I help people, and I feel bad when I hurt people or neglect an opportunity to help people.

Some people are more inclined to feel good about helping others, while other people are more inclined to feel good when they do things that benefit themselves, regardless of how it affects others.

Basically, if you screw enough people over, people will catch on and they will despise you for it... which may lessen your pleasure levels a bit. Unless you like people hating you, in which case it won't.

This guy differentiates between people who focus on helping others vs people who only help themselves by calling them Lightworkers and Darkworkers.

There's nothing wrong with being self-centered, but when it hurts another person in some way, then it crosses the boundary and makes it 'wicked'. And sure, you might not get any direct consequences for it, and you might not even feel slightly bad about it... but that doesn't make it right. Surely you will feel better if you do things that benefit yourself AND other people? Wouldn't you?

[dreamer...]

If by "being wicked" you mean having attributes of wickedness, then the answer is nothing. Most people have naturally evil thoughts and desires, some more than others. It's something you can't control...if you dislike someone, you will think negatively of them even if you treat them with the utmost kindness. People just choose not to act on their malicious thoughts- due to fear of punishment, feelings of regret, fear of alienation, etc.

[Bob Dole]

Majority of humanity has it's morals because they were raised to believe in those morals. In order for society to survive, the vast majority must have similar morals.

[Robert]

Our humanity and knowledge

[HeartofShadows]

Most of the time lack of power or the fear of consequence.

[UnschoolShqiponjë]

Depends on how one is raised. Taking the current prevailing methods of child rearing it is fear of punishment and lack of power. Much like what HoS said.

Doesn't have to be that way. People need to evolve their parenting techniques.

[RustedOutEntry]

It all depends on your opinion of wicked.

[Lil'Orange]

conscience

[Geeksta]

(01-17-2012 08:41 PM)LilOrange Wrote:  conscience

^This. This is the only reason why I am moral. If I hurt someone in any way, it gets under my skin, forever.