Moralis 1: Beyond the Material: A Deep Dive into Cultural and Moral Realms
Welcome to “Moralis,” a series exploring the intricate tapestry of morality, ethics, and societal constructs shaping our world today
Before delving into the moral and ethical challenges that societies face in the 21st century, it is vital in this introductory article to gain a broad perspective on the identity of any nation and its culture.
The modern world has progressed, but it has left its soul behind.
If we were to write this statement in the street and ask people for their opinions, undoubtedly, at least 99% would agree. Yet, we consistently hear declarations from politicians and scientists that humanity has never achieved such development. Are they wrong? Perhaps not. So where is the issue?
A major misstep of societies in the 21st century is that we often measure development from only one dimension: the material. Yet even the Greek, Roman, and Muslim empires understood that progress is determined by both the material aspects — such as science, the military, architecture, and finance — and the non-material, represented by “Culture.”
What is culture?
Sociologists define culture as the intangible shared values, beliefs, communications, and practices of a group. It encompasses our knowledge, assumptions, norms, rules, discourse, symbols (like emojis and signs), and behaviors. Culture shapes how we interact, express our identities, and participate in activities like religion, holidays, and sports. It is vital for molding social relationships, maintaining, and challenging the social order, which refers to the stability of society based on the collective agreement to rules and norms that enable us to cooperate, function, and (ideally) live together in peace and harmony. This order comprises both non-material and material elements.
Liberalism: The Danger of Ignoring the Interplay Between Material and Non-material Traditions
Culture consists of two primary facets: material and non-material. These elements are deeply interconnected. Our non-material values often inspire our tangible creations, like buildings and art. Conversely, our material culture can shape our intangible beliefs and norms.
Historical societies offer insights. For instance, Muslim civilizations, with religion as their foundation, made notable advancements in areas like science, architecture, and the arts. In contrast, European societies thrived when they began to separate from religious dominance, fostering a culture centred on societal power and individual achievement.
But a 21st-century challenge, often exacerbated by some liberal ideologies, is oversimplifying these cultural nuances. Assuming that “if it works for me, it will work for you” can lead to unintended consequences.
Culture Crisis and Civilizational Decline
A cultural crisis emerges when a society neglects to guide individual behaviours, often justified under banners like “liberty.” This can erode both religious and secular foundations, leading to the disintegration of the societal fabric. The culmination of this crisis, as discussed in the introductory article of the “Fitna series,” results in civilizational decline and a weakened bond between society and individuals.
Culture, Subjectivity, and Religion
Our personal judgments — deeming something good or bad — shape our societal behaviour. These judgments influence our private and social attitudes, delineating the scope and boundaries of culture. Interestingly, people often make choices without a fully conscious process, and cultural foundations aren’t always rooted in logic or scientific proof.
The clash between societal standards and individual judgments arises when one loses its objectivity. In the cultural realm, while the material speaks to scientists and engineers in objective terms, its spiritual essence communicates with the souls of children, poets, and inventors in more subjective, often enigmatic, ways. Take terms like “woman,” “man,” or “sex.” Each person may interpret these differently based on their perspective. the scientist would say that “woman” is an adult female, while a child would say she is my mother, and so on, … But both objective and subjective interpretations exist.
Objects can lose significance when removed from their cultural context. This disconnection poses a significant concern. Encouraging unchecked individual subjectivity can distort the essential objective definitions within a society.
Moreover, a societal crisis may ensue when personal subjectivity encroaches upon a society’s moral bedrock.
For this reason, religion in my opinion, remains a steadfast ally in upholding cultural morality, delineating right from wrong. Christians, Muslims, and Jews believe that religious edicts are objective truths derived directly from God, granting them an unshakeable authority. The allure of divine reward or retribution profoundly influences moral actions. A deep-rooted relationship with God fosters an innate moral compass in believers, ensuring ethical actions even in solitude, aware that the Divine is always observant.
Throughout this exploration, we’ve underscored the profound relationship between culture, societal norms, and morality in shaping ourculture. The intricate balance between material and non-material values remains paramount.
As we continue our journey in the “Moralis” series, our next focus will be on the pivotal role of education in constructing the very foundation of society. Stay tuned.
