A person's moral judgments are an intrinsic part of their identity. They shape how they view themselves and others, what they believe is right or wrong, and how they behave in different situations.
When these beliefs become so ingrained that they begin to interfere with one's ability to lead a happy life, it can create an inner conflict known as "internalized moral condemnation." This can happen if someone has been raised in a strict religious or cultural environment that values certain behaviors above all else, but then experiences feelings of guilt or shame for engaging in activities that go against those standards. As a result, the individual may experience confusion, anxiety, and self-doubt, leading them down a path of philosophical inquiry.
The first stage in this journey is recognizing the problem. The individual must acknowledge that their internal morals are at odds with their external actions, and that this dissonance is causing emotional distress. They may feel guilty about having desires or impulses that don't match up with their ideals, or guilty because they have acted upon those impulses. They must also recognize that there is no easy solution; simply ignoring the issue will not make it go away. Instead, they need to explore why they feel the way they do, and how they can come to terms with it.
The individual begins to question their own values and beliefs. Are they truly living up to the standard they set for themselves? What are the consequences of adhering strictly to their morals? Can they find a balance between their personal desires and their sense of duty? Do they believe in absolute truths, or is their understanding of right and wrong subjective? These questions force them to examine their core principles and reevaluate what matters most to them.
As the process continues, the individual may begin to explore alternative ways of viewing the world. They may consider different religions, philosophies, or schools of thought to see if any resonate with them. This can be an empowering step, as it allows them to define their own moral code rather than blindly accepting one imposed on them by others. It can also lead to self-reflection, as they analyze their choices and weigh the pros and cons of each option.
The individual comes to a resolution. They may accept their feelings and behaviors without judging them, or they may embrace a new outlook that aligns more closely with their true values. They may discover that their morals have changed over time, or that they were never fully aligned with their ideals to begin with. Either way, this journey towards self-knowledge has been challenging but ultimately rewarding. By confronting their internalized moral condemnation head-on, they have gained greater insight into who they are and what they want from life.
How does internalized moral condemnation transform into a philosophical struggle for self-knowledge?
The internalized moral condemnation of others may lead to an existential crisis of one's identity. This is because it causes a dissonance between one's personal values and beliefs and those that are imposed by society or culture. As a result, there can be confusion about who we truly are and what we should value. The struggle for self-knowledge emerges as one tries to reconcile this difference.