1. Norm

Question 1

What is a Norm?

Answer 1

• Norms are commonly agreed upon modes of behavior.
• We feel an obligation to follow some norms. The obligation is stronger with some norms than others.

Question 2

Who makes Norms?

Answer 2

• Norms are given by an authority.
• Religious laws (ex 10 commandments) are supported by God’s authority.
• Canadian law is supported by the authority of an elected national government.

Question 3

Are Norms arbitrary?

Answer 3

• Norms should not be arbitrary
• They must be based on a rational good that they are aimed towards.
• Arbitrary norms may only be followed out of fear of authority.
• Rational norms will be followed because they are rational and help the common good.

Question 4

How do Norms Involve Our Freedom?

Answer 4

• Because we are free, norms give us the opportunity to use our freedom to act in a good and responsible way.

Question 5

Why do we have norms ?

Answer 5

1. Norms may provide us with wisdom about the moral history and society.
2. Norms allow us to make complicated decisions more quickly, especially when we are under pressure.
3. Norms help us with judge our actions and our conscience.
4. Norms allow greater unity and thus greater prosperity.

Question 6

How do norms direct our inclinations and desires ?

Answer 6

• Not all our wants are good.
• Norms help to guide us in making good choices.