In my perspective, there is no need for states to avoid the role of moral guardian.
As defined, a state is a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government. It is therefore implied that a state holds power or authority in presiding over the interest of its constituents. And as the governing body, the state should adhere to an absolute standard of morality to be able to attain the very goal of a prosperous society.
Moral values, on the other hand, are defined as standards of what is right and what is wrong which governs the behavior of an individual. One’s moral values can come from family, community, religion, or self. However, in this competitive society, it is very evident that some people sacrifice their moral values for one’s benefit, for instance, lying in order to protect one’s interests. The foundation of a society where people value themselves beyond the good of the society would be weak. When one is only concerned about oneself and not the good of the society as a whole, one would only do things that benefit oneself and disregard the society. It would ultimately harm the society if people become self – centered. This is due to the fact that usually the good of the society would mean the good of each and every individual in the society. Even so, as this group of people is blinded by their self – centeredness, they would be unable to see that and become interested only of the short – term gains. Which is why it is favorable for a state to observe the role of moral guardian in the society, as much as possible. In such a way, people would have actualization of what they are going to do in a particular situation, and how they should respond to the conduct of others. To support, Psychology Today concluded that the most significant predictor of a person’s moral behavior may be religious commitment. People who consider themselves religious, or at least commit themselves into religious groups, are least likely to be reported committing lying, cheating or deception on others’ expense, to be involved in illicit love affairs, or even improper garbage disposal. Based on this finding, the belief of other people in God (or god/s) have somehow given them a positive impact on their moral thinking and behavior. Without God (or god/s) as their moral guardian, it is most likely for them to exhibit selfish ways of aiming survival in this rotten, stinky world. Lack of moral guidance will possibly result to bigger problems because of people’s individual desires to ‘just survive.’ Somebody’s belief in order for his/her life to continue might result threat to the existence of the other. Chaos and conflict will prevail as we are left to our own impulses and devices.
I feel that parents and other elders must become effective moral educators inside the home as a foundation of a state’s betterment. Families and schools should take accountability in inculcating virtuous and high – minded knowledge and life skills to younger generations. This also applies to the government to whom we entrust the welfare of our country. High – ranking officials that serve as moral guardians would mean that their subordinates would also conform to the rules and regulations set by the authorities, and thus would be able to establish a substantial foundation of a sound state. Fraudulence and other forms of criminal acts and violations would be diminished. Therefore, the state would be able to flourish.
konektadoka 