October Discussion: The Importance of Freedom In Ethics

Earlier this year when I wrote about some of the things that lead to immoral behavior, I did not include one of the central issues in ethics: we cannot be held morally responsible for our actions if we are not free to choose what we do.
Greedy ambition, fanaticism, intolerance, persecution and ignorance interfere with human freedom. When our freedom of choice is limited by the choice of others, our moral responsibility is proportional to the degree our choice is significant. One can chose to aid and or abet an action started by others or do nothing to oppose the actions of others. If we have a choice to act and do nothing, it may be considered as contributory negligence.

In Morals and Dogma Albert Pike wrote, “to be free is to be pious, wise, temperate, just, frugal, magnanimous and brave.”

Then what makes something moral, immoral, amoral, or illegal?

If we are free to choose, our actions can be:
Moral- if they reflect societies and the person’s values.
Immoral- if they go against a person’s or societies values.
Amoral- if they do not reflect choices based on values or social norms.
Illegal- if they break the law.
Our actions can be immoral but legal (i.e. a Muslim’s choice to eat pork or the accidental killing of civilians in time of war) or moral but illegal (if we disregard an order to not resuscitate, and prolong the person’s life or if one steals a loaf of bread to save his or her starving child).

Thus our actions become the subject of moral debate only because of their results, or the intentions behind them, or the values of the individual or the society they reflect.

As Masons we take pride in our personal and social responsibility. We seek enlightenment to promote brotherly love, justice and generosity. We put our ethical convictions and principles into action to improve the common man, our community and mankind.