- There is some sort of fundamental and transcendent set of principles or standards of morality that are universal.
- These principles or standards all have “authority” by being good, right, virtuous, reasonable and just. It seems that most of the standards that tell us what is right and wrong are really extensions of ”the golden rule” and relate to treating people with respect, not causing pain, and promoting overall happiness (yes, “happiness”). I think a good starting list of such standards is captured in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948).
- Being a responsible person means being aware of these standards of morality, being able to distinguish between right and wrong, thinking and acting rationally, and being accountable for one’s behavior.
Granted, it is not as easy as might first appear because there are differing views on at least some aspects of all of this because of differences in religion, philosophy, region, culture and more. However, global interconnectedness and multi-culturalism are increasing and doing the hard work of understanding what it means to be morally responsible is essential – and actually part of “being a responsible person” at present.Being a responsible person as explained above has the intrinsic value and reward of the satisfaction of living a virtuous life and the enlightened self-interest value of ensuring peace and stability in society and, wishfully, among nations. Going a step further, I might suggest that there is an actual obligation of moral responsibility that is incumbent on each one of us in return for the protections and benefits we each receive from the just and lawful societal institutions and structures that protect us from harm, provide important freedoms and create sort of a level playing field of opportunity.