The contours of public morality continually shift as societies navigate the complexities of their evolving values, adapting to emerging circumstances and redefining ethical norms in the process. Explain.

Topic: moral and political attitudes.

6. The contours of public morality continually shift as societies navigate the complexities of their evolving values, adapting to emerging circumstances and redefining ethical norms in the process. Explain. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Directive word: 

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Give a simple elaboration on the concept of public morality.

Body:

Write about aspects such as what is accepted within the realms of public morality, is it static and indestructible by quoting few examples. Influence of public morality on legislations and the changes with time such as legalisation of same-sex marriage etc.

Next, write about the various factors affecting public morality.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stating that society evolves with time and thus the public morality also takes its shape, however certain historically sustainable values must be preserved as well.