Moral systems are based on principles that exclude certain groups of people from being included within them. This can lead to situations where individuals feel emotionally close to one another despite their differences, challenging the moral system's foundation. This article will explore how emotional closeness between people of different backgrounds or beliefs can undermine the validity of moral systems that rely on exclusion and promote harmful stereotypes about those who do not fit into their prescribed categories.
Main body
Emotional closeness often occurs when people connect deeply with each other on an individual level, regardless of their background or beliefs. It is characterized by feelings of trust, affection, respect, and understanding. When these feelings arise between individuals who would normally be viewed as outcasts or unacceptable according to a particular moral system, it can reveal the fragility of such a system.
If two individuals have a sexual relationship outside of marriage due to social stigma or religious disapproval, their emotional connection may remain strong despite society's judgment. Similarly, if two people form a friendship across racial lines despite societal prejudices against interracial relationships, they may find themselves questioning the value of the system that condemns their bond.
The exclusivity of many moral systems means that some individuals are deemed worthy of love and compassion while others are not. These systems often categorize people based on factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, or national origin. By creating hierarchies among human beings, such systems perpetuate oppression and discrimination. In contrast, an inclusive morality recognizes that all humans have inherent worth and deserves dignity and respect. Emotional closeness challenges this system because it demonstrates that moral judgments should not be based on arbitrary criteria but rather on the qualities of individuals themselves.
When emotional closeness transcends exclusionary moral systems, it highlights the flaws in those systems. The ability to form meaningful connections with others regardless of differences shows that moral categories are constructed and subjective. Moral systems must adapt to accommodate these new understandings and acknowledge the complexity of human experience. Otherwise, they risk becoming increasingly rigid and narrow-minded, leading to more harm than good.
Emotional closeness can serve as a powerful antidote to exclusionary moral systems. It forces us to reconsider our assumptions about who is worthy of love and belonging and encourages us to embrace the diversity of human experiences. By valuing connection over categorization, we can build a more just and equitable society for everyone.
How does emotional closeness reveal the fragility of moral systems built on exclusion?
Moral systems are often constructed by those who feel emotionally close to others, but they can be easily challenged when people start feeling differently about them due to differences in beliefs or values. The idea that some individuals are more worthy than others because of their race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation is a common issue within society. It has been shown that these kinds of judgments often stem from fear and mistrust based on misconceptions about other groups.