Grendal

Mr. Kadar
Honors III
November 19, 2012

Throughout the existence of human life, morality has gradually become the basis of an individual’s choice and actions.   However, the question remains: what determines morality?   In the past, people’s interaction with one another was strictly limited to their family and the isolated community in which they lived.   As a result of this seclusion and intimate relationship within this specific society, over time, the morals of each individual converged to form an overarching set of moral codes to guide the decisions of the people and a government system to enforce these principles.   Even as society transitioned into the modern age, it remains the main influence on an individual’s morals.   However, while society can influence and foster morality, it cannot guarantee an individual’s acceptance of that morality because of free choice.   Even though society does impact an individual’s morality, it is ultimately up to that individual to positively or negatively act and react in life.
An individual’s morality creates an interdependency of physical and emotional responses.   Morality determines responses and reactions to other people phys   Physical responses can range from simple responses such as picking up a pencil for a stranger to a more stimulating or personal response, such as a hug.   Despite the different situations, these choices to act to help a stranger or comfort a friend are based off the morals of the individual.   Emotional responses, on the other hand, are the result of physical responses.   Whereas a hug is a physical action, the emotions that are connected with it – sympathy, understanding, compassion are triggered by that act.   Physical and emotional responses are not limited to two individuals, but rather can be on a large, indirect scale.   For instance, a person sees a homeless person and experiences an emotional reaction of sympathy and hope, and because of these feelings, that person decides to physically respond...