Phil paper

Sorry it has been so long since I posted, school and work keep me pretty busy. Wanted to share my latest Philosophy paper. Would love any thoughts you guys have on the topic! The question was...

Why should I be moral when it is not in my best interest to do so?

Morality affects us on every level of human existence. How is it not always in my best interest to be moral? If in the moment of choice we understand that remaining moral is in our best interest, then regardless of the situation it is an easy decision. We are guided toward morality through our conscience. Maybe not as colorful as Jiminy Cricket, or as condemning as the threat of Hell created by organized religion, conscience is very real. A guide we can choose follow or ignore, but an immoral life is not without natural consequences. Some see our conscience as a spiritual reaction to immoral behavior; personally I believe it is completely biological.

On a physiological level, it has been proven that we benefit from the release of endorphins and other chemical reactions that increase function, healing, and growth through every system of the body. I believe negative actions also release chemicals as a warning system to alter our unsafe or immoral behavior. We interpret those as our conscience or instinct. If we trust the higher function of our brain to keep us safe and happy, it will do so. Lack of conscience (or a chemical imbalance) could explain a mass murderer who displays no guilt but has been raised without abuse or any other environmental reason for his behavior.

Our mental state of well being has a direct impact on our physical health. I believe that negative emotions like shame or guilt can fester over time and manifest themselves as cancer or other serious health problems. If we act immorally, the body actually works against us. The mainstream medical community has tied stomach ulcers to stress; however, they have yet to prove or acknowledge that other diseases are related to mental health. I predict in the years to come that many more health issues will be tied to our coping mechanisms, actions and even our decisions. Depression and lethargy definitely act against our best interest. With all of the environmental and genetic stresses our bodies endure, why would we consciously add to that?

Moral behavior reinforces our personal integrity and self-worth, which also contribute to our mental stability. Without our integrity, does anything else matter? Personally I choose morality, I see it as a key to happiness and wellness. Both of which are in my best interest!