Q. Differentiate ‘moral intuition from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples.

Model Answer: 

Moral Intuition

Moral intuition refers to the immediate, instinctive judgement we make about the rightness or wrongness of an action or situation. It is often automatic and unconscious, based on our gut feelings, emotions, or deeply ingrained beliefs.

For example, if you see someone stealing from a poor vendor, your immediate reaction of disapproval comes from your moral intuition. This immediate judgement doesn’t involve any conscious deliberation or reasoning. It could be influenced by your cultural background, personal experiences, or societal norms. In the Indian context, moral intuition might be shaped by various factors such as religious teachings, family values, or traditional customs.

Moral Reasoning

Moral reasoning, on the other hand, is a conscious, deliberate process of deciding what is right or wrong. It involves logical analysis, critical thinking, and consideration of different perspectives or consequences.

For instance, if a friend asks you whether it is right to lie to her parents about her whereabouts, you might engage in moral reasoning. You might consider various factors such as the potential harm caused by lying, the reasons for her wanting to lie, and the possible consequences if her parents find out. In the Indian context, moral reasoning might involve principles from Indian philosophy, legal rules, or societal expectations.

Comparison and Interaction

1. Consciousness: While moral intuition is automatic and unconscious, moral reasoning is conscious and deliberate.

2. Speed: Moral intuition is immediate and quick, while moral reasoning is slower and involves careful deliberation.

3. Basis: Moral intuition is based on emotions, gut feelings, or deeply ingrained beliefs, while moral reasoning is based on logical analysis, critical thinking, and consideration of consequences.

4. Flexibility: Moral intuition is often rigid and resistant to change, while moral reasoning is more flexible and open to new information or perspectives.

5. Influence: Moral intuition can influence moral reasoning, and vice versa. For example, our gut feelings can shape our logical analysis. Conversely, our logical analysis can modify our gut feelings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moral intuition and moral reasoning are two different yet interconnected aspects of our ethical decision-making process. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and both are influenced by various factors such as cultural background, personal experiences, or societal norms. Understanding these differences and interactions can enhance our moral judgement and ethical behavior. It can also facilitate more effective moral education and ethical leadership. In the Indian context, it can help us navigate the complex interplay of traditional values, modern challenges, and diverse perspectives.