Term Papers on The Distinction Between Etiquette & Morals

Term Paper Title	The Distinction Between Etiquette & Morals
# of Words	871
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	3.48

The Distinction Between Etiquette & Morals

Philosophy 62: Ethics

2/22/1999

      Consider the following hypothetical situation: you are preparing to travel on a long journey with a single companion. You have a choice of two companions. The first is quite mannerly, charming, handsome and courteous. However, she has one serious flaw: she is a  kleptomaniac, and steals your most valued possessions during the course of your travel. The second is constitutionally morally impeccable. However she also has a major flaw: she has absolutely no versing in etiquette. She burps and farts and does whatever function her body is inclined to right there in front of you. Which of the two are the greatest evils?

          This hypothetical situation has a larger question underlying it. That is, what exactly is the difference between a maxim of etiquette and a maxim of something else, such as a maxim of something which we typically associate with the word “moral?” It could be argued that questions of both etiquette and “right and wrong” are highly subjective. Certainly there is a difference though, between someone who belches at the table and someone who steals. This culture apparently thinks so, since shoplifting is a punishable offense while burping is not. The answer to the question then largely depends on what the “something else” is.

           What is the nature of a maxim of etiquette? For one, it is always culturally relative; that is, certain acts will break a maxim of etiquette in some cultures, arouse no response in other cultures, and be regarded as totally appropriate in yet other cultures. The act of belching after a meal is one such example. In western society belching loudly after a meal is regarded as rude or vulgar. In many middle eastern cultures however belching after a meal is seen as a compliment to the cook and is considered very polite. Among certain subcultures it is seen as a natural function, neither explicitly rude nor polite. Another example is using a toothpick after a meal. In the United States if we have something stuck in our teeth after we eat, we just grab a toothpick and pick away, even in public. In Hong Kong that would be regarded as totally vulgar. When people in Hong Kong use toothpicks, they cover their mouths with one hand and pick with the other.

          But like maxims of etiquette, most “moral” maxims are culturally relative as well. Not all people are governed by the same codes of conduct, obviously, otherwise ethnic and cultural clashes might not be as intense as they are in pluralistic societies such as the Un...

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