The statement 'compassion is the basis of morality' means that compassion, or the feeling of empathy and concern for the suffering of others, is the fundamental source and justification for our moral principles and actions.
This view, notably championed by philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, suggests that our ability to recognize and understand the suffering of others is what motivates us to act morally. In essence, we treat others well because we recognize their capacity to experience pain and happiness, just as we do.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
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Compassion as Motivation: The core idea is that compassion is not just a desirable trait, but the very root of ethical behavior. It's the reason we refrain from harming others and, ideally, actively seek to help them.
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Empathy and Understanding: Compassion hinges on the ability to empathize with others – to understand their feelings and perspectives. This understanding is crucial because it allows us to recognize their suffering and, consequently, to be moved to act in their best interests.
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Moral Action: This viewpoint suggests that morality isn't simply about following rules or adhering to abstract principles. Instead, it's driven by a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Actions stemming from compassion are considered inherently moral because they are aimed at alleviating suffering or promoting happiness.
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Justice as a Form of Compassion: As Schopenhauer indicated, even concepts like justice can be seen as a derivative of compassion. Justice, in this light, becomes a "negative" form of compassion, focused on preventing harm and ensuring fairness, rather than a proactive effort to bring about good.
Example:
Consider the act of donating to a charity that helps refugees. The feeling of compassion, triggered by awareness of their plight, motivates the donation. This act is considered moral because it seeks to alleviate suffering and improve the lives of others. Without that initial compassion, the act might not occur.
In conclusion, the belief that "compassion is the basis of morality" asserts that empathy and concern for the suffering of others are the fundamental drivers and justifications for ethical behavior and moral principles. It posits that our capacity to recognize and understand the pain and happiness of others is what motivates us to act morally and strive towards a more just and compassionate world.
