Good Example Of Essay On Absolute Moral Rules

This is my position regarding the chapter 9 Are there absolute moral rules? in the book ‘The Elements of Moral Philosophy’. It has an elaborate discussion on absolute moral values analyzing the situations from World War II period. Harry Truman justified his decision to drop atom bombs in Japan, telling that he thought that would end the war. Elizabeth Anscombe, one of the greatest woman philosophers and non-consequentialist, mentioned that Truman should be regarded as a murderer, arguing the point some things may not be done no matter what. Immanuel Kant, another non-consequentialist, brings forth hypothetical and categorical imperatives, opining that morality involve categorical imperatives. The rules, the arguments put forth by Kant and the criticism against and the pitfalls of his statements are also described.
What I think about absolute moral rules is that, they do exist. If they don’t, the humanity wouldn’t be the same way as we all see. But then, absolute moral rules can turn highly contextual, as well. Majority would agree to Anscombe than to Truman in the case of bombing. But the same majority wouldn’t accept or follow Kant’s views regarding “never lie”.
I believe that absolute moral rules are to be followed weighing them against rationality and motives of the parties involved. Lives of innocent people are more important than absolute rules. If lying can save them, then lying is okay in ‘that’ case. Neither consequentialism nor non-consequentialism can always be right, it largely depends on rationality and behavioural aspects of the people. Again, a person’s reaction can’t be predicted or strictly controlled by the virtue ethics, as his / her behaviour is influenced by the other factors like culture, religion, beliefs and socio-economic elements. In life, when we have to face conflicting situations and dilemmas, some of the absolute rules become simply illogical or they don’t help or guide us. So, the concept of existence of absolute moral rules depends on the players – all the factors that make them take a particular decision and action and mainly, the context.