Functions and structure of morality

Morality is quite complexa phenomenon that contradicts the form of public thinking. On the other hand, it can be characterized as a norm of values ​​and principles that determine the actions of people. Such a set of moral ideals, rules and requirements of behavior illustrates the relationship of people in the context of definitions of evil and good, justice, class and status of each person.

The concept and structure of morals are definedthe set of functions that it executes. The specific essence of this component of human behavior was formed under the influence of a long period of history. Let us consider in detail each of the functions.

1. Cognitive. Teaches people to see the actions of other individuals in terms of moral values.
2. Educational. It determines the development of certain stereotypes of behavior in each of the individuals. This allows you to transform the norms of ethics into a persistent habit.
3. Value-oriented. Morality makes it possible to identify certainguidelines for each individual. This function does not carry any practical significance, but gives a person an idea of ​​its purpose and meaning of life. It is likely that the individual will not think about this every day, but at a difficult time, in the mind of everyone, the thought of "why do I live?" Flashes. And the value-oriented function allows finding the answer to the question posed.
4. Regulatory. Moral norms allow you to control both the actions of an individual and the behavior of society as a whole. People do not regulate each other's behavior, moral norms do it for them.

The structure of morality includes severalhistorical levels. Epochs replaced one another, the moral component of social thinking changed. However, the main elements consistently were value orientations, moral judgments and a sense of ethics. The structure of morality presents elements of moral consciousness at the theoretical level as a whole system of categories of values. Here the criteria of good and evil, happiness, conscience, justice and life are interconnected.

The structure of morality includes such a crucialcomponent, as moral norms. They represent a set of principles that are in the individual and public consciousness. A special property of this component is imperative. Moral norms accumulate the acquired useful both historical and social experience of many people.

The structure of morality also provides a valueorientation, which was mentioned earlier. Actions, feelings, hopes and intentions - everything can be subordinated to a great goal. People are able to give up much for this. On moral values ​​are often oriented all aspects of human life.

The structure of morality also determines the differentpsychological mechanisms for personal self-control. One of the most ancient and personal regulators is conscience. Together with honor, a sense of duty and dignity, she imposes a moral responsibility on the person.