Morally right vs. socially acceptable

What is the difference between what is right and what is acceptable?

I can look at the situation like this: What society accepts as a norm is to be right and is based on the idea that norms such as law or socially acceptable behavior are based in, of, or out of what is thought to be moral. But what happens when an individual believes what is socially acceptable is in fact morally wrong?

So then how do we draw the line? Or whose side do we take?

If morality is, at the very least, the effort to guide one’s conduct by reason – that is, to do what is best based off of the reasons presented for doing – while giving equal weight to the interests of all parties affected by the decision, then how can we come to just one answer of what is right?

And then, if laws and social norms are based on morality, is it fair that they enforce a certain sense of morality? After all, morality is subjective. Or can the law be seen as self-serving? And can morality ever be truly self-less?

I think this is best way to consider the difference between what is right and what is acceptable.

But if any of this is true, then how can anyone be trusted to enforce laws and social norms? Should we now resort to anarchy and return to an agriculture-based society in which the law of the land is what the owner of his home or property imposes?

What do you think?

About mmmiller05

If Marcia Miller had to pick up everything and leave, then she'd make sure to grab a few things before she left. First, the duffel bag is a must, followed by her laptop and iPod. She grabs her journal next, along with every CD she owns - just in case. Miller pulls off the pictures and concert tickets that adorn her walls. A towel is going to be handy too - this she learned from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Finally, she grabs a handful of pens and her trusty AP Stylebook, throws her duffel back over her back and picks up her purse. Closing the door behind her, she leaves her apartment, heads down the stairs and... Well, Miller heads to your office because she's ready to do a job. She is ready to move at a moment's notice, write what needs to be written, edit what needs to be edited, promote what you think the world needs to know about. Miller's got the personality, the skills and the spunk to succeed in any situation. She's not afraid of trying new things or getting her feet wet. Her moto: If an opportunity doesn't present itself, then create one.
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