Morals are Simple Game Theory

[lehighguy]

Morals a human creations. They are made because we derive satisfaction from living by thier principles. Even if obeying them prevents us from meeting physical wants/needs we gain psycological benefits from believing we follow a moral code. Following a moral code gives someone a sense of ego, like they are different from everyone else. It gives them a sense of self worth. It justifies thier existence. These are powerful psycological incentives to act morally. So it can really be broken down into an equation:

When
Psycological Benefit > Physical Benefit
person A acts morally.

Thus, morality is simple game theory in which the players try to maximize thier own personal gain. What determines "benefit" values. Well that's more complicated. Each person is a sum of thier experiences, genetics, and for the more religous thier soul. As a result some people put a higher value on morals then others. People also devise different moral codes to suit thier different tastes, just as people enjoy different flavors of ice cream. Even a mobster lives by "mob ethics".

Even those we would consider completely immoral, such as serial killers, are acting within the confines of the above game. They have some overwhelming psycological need to kill and they are willing to risk violence, capture, prosecution and a variety of other risks to meet that psycological need.

[txag007]

1) Why do all civilization have the same basic "moral code"?

2) From where does guilt come?

[lehighguy]

1) Because a universal moral code is beneficial for the functioning of civil society.

2) Conditioning. You tell yourself something is right/wrong over and over. You hold to a moral code and tell yourself it differentiates you from others. When you break that code, its like admitting you were lying to yourself the whole kind. You aren't special or different anymore.

We of course have tools to get around guilt when the need is great enough. Rationalization, circumstances, a re-evaluation of moral principles.

[txag007]

So how does each civilization define what is "right" in regard to their moral code?

1) Why do all civilization have the same basic "moral code"?
Because we all have the same basic brain physiology, so our brains process information the same.

2) From where does guilt come? I'm not sure of the physical phenomena(I'm not even sure neurologist have a clue on this yet) but I'm guessing it has something to do with ones actions going against set neural pathways, and the body react against change.

Shooby

[txag007]

"1) Why do all civilization have the same basic "moral code"?
Because we all have the same basic brain physiology, so our brains process information the same."

But opinions vary wildy on matters. How do our brains define what is "right"?

[ QUOTE ]
Why do all civilization have the same basic "moral code"?

[/ QUOTE ]
They do? Have you ever travelled? Or read a history book?

[lehighguy]

Civilization needs certain principles in order to function. For instance, it tells people stealing is wrong because if everyone started stealing then law, order, and the social fabric would break down.

That's what I was thinking.lol
Shooby

I'm pretty sure "right" has alot to do with"what benefits me the most".
Shooby