Moral norms are aspirational and prescriptive rather than functional and descriptive. Critically analyse. – INSIGHTSIAS

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Topic: dimensions of ethics;

7. Moral norms are aspirational and prescriptive rather than functional and descriptive. Critically analyse. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the natures of moral norms.

Directive:

Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by explaining moral norms.

Body:

First, explain as to how moral norms are aspirational and prescriptive – contains ideals, principles and policies which are sensitive to positive outcomes, action-based, and focused on what we should do.

Next, explain as to how moral norms are functional and descriptive – people’s beliefs about as values, which actions are right and wrong, and which characteristics of moral agents are virtuous.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion regarding moral norms.

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