what distinguishes owning moral standards from merely abiding by them?
What distinguishes owning moral standards from merely abiding by them?
Owning moral standards goes beyond just following them externally. It involves a deeper personal commitment, understanding, and internalization of those standards. Merely abiding by moral standards implies adhering to them without necessarily embracing them as one’s own.
When someone owns moral standards, they have a personal connection and conviction towards those principles. They have taken the time to reflect on their values, beliefs, and the consequences of their actions. Owning moral standards means that individuals have consciously chosen to adopt these principles as guiding principles for their behavior and decision-making.
In contrast, merely abiding by moral standards can be more superficial. It may involve following societal norms or external rules without fully internalizing the underlying values. This can lead to a lack of genuine commitment and understanding of the moral standards being followed.
Ownership of moral standards also implies taking responsibility for one’s actions and the impact they have on others. It involves a sense of accountability and a willingness to align one’s behavior with their moral beliefs, even when it may be challenging or inconvenient.
Ultimately, owning moral standards is about living in alignment with one’s values and beliefs, while merely abiding by them may lack the depth of personal commitment and understanding.