When Moral Codes Fail: The Problem of Moral Entanglement: A Call for Critical Thinking
Publication Date
3-8-2025
Zoom Link for Presentation
Start Date
3-8-2025 1:45 PM
End Date
3-8-2025 2:15 PM
Presentation Type
Research Presentation
Showcase Track
Contemporary Issues in Higher Education (CIHE)
Abstract
The problem of moral entanglement has to do with moral rules/principles that have been found to be entangled so that no matter which one the moral agent chooses (whether as an act of free-will or obedience) to follow or do, an inconsistency will inevitably follow (within the context of a moral system/theory). This presentation will consider a subset (of at least two applicable elements) of a set of accepted strictures of a moral code (purportedly with the general goal to do good and avoid evil) to show that what is moral is not always a function of the applicable elements of a moral code one chooses. And, because this moral entanglement is logically inconsistent with the general goal to do good and avoid evil, such moral codes fail. Moreover, since this overarching set of moral rules/principles is meant to guide a person’s or group’s decision-making, establish standards for moral behavior, and promote what is valued, this presentation also shows that the moral system/theory that advocates for such a moral code (with such an applicable subset) is logically flawed. And, as a Reductio ad Absurdum, the moral system/theory ought to be abandoned. Accordingly, such standards to which moral agents aspire and by which their actions can be judged clearly undercut the individual’s or group’s ability to deal consistently and ethically with moral dilemmas.
Recommended Citation
Talavera, Isidoro, "When Moral Codes Fail: The Problem of Moral Entanglement: A Call for Critical Thinking" (2025).
Franklin University Scholarship Showcase. Paper 26.
Available at: https://fuse.franklin.edu/showcase/2025/presentations/26
When Moral Codes Fail: The Problem of Moral Entanglement: A Call for Critical Thinking
The problem of moral entanglement has to do with moral rules/principles that have been found to be entangled so that no matter which one the moral agent chooses (whether as an act of free-will or obedience) to follow or do, an inconsistency will inevitably follow (within the context of a moral system/theory). This presentation will consider a subset (of at least two applicable elements) of a set of accepted strictures of a moral code (purportedly with the general goal to do good and avoid evil) to show that what is moral is not always a function of the applicable elements of a moral code one chooses. And, because this moral entanglement is logically inconsistent with the general goal to do good and avoid evil, such moral codes fail. Moreover, since this overarching set of moral rules/principles is meant to guide a person’s or group’s decision-making, establish standards for moral behavior, and promote what is valued, this presentation also shows that the moral system/theory that advocates for such a moral code (with such an applicable subset) is logically flawed. And, as a Reductio ad Absurdum, the moral system/theory ought to be abandoned. Accordingly, such standards to which moral agents aspire and by which their actions can be judged clearly undercut the individual’s or group’s ability to deal consistently and ethically with moral dilemmas.