It is generally believed that moral values are based on principles innate to the human psyche. To many of us, the ideals of equality and justice seem as natural as the desire to survive and prosper.
However, if one were to look beneath the surface of the supposed ‘noble human values’, one would find that the basis of these morals is not rooted in abstract ideas but in the exercise of power by those who wield it the most at a point in time.
Power – the core arbiter of morality
Slavery and the lesser humans
Human history is rife with instances of slavery, in its various forms, being considered not only normal but in accordance with the natural order of things. Things like enslavement of people from other tribes and the race-based hierarchy have been considered morally justifiable by their contemporary ethical standards.
Colonialism and civilisation
Odd as it may seem to those unaware of the rationale behind colonialism, those who engaged in colonial conquests have often attempted to justify and even glorify their actions by claiming to ‘bring civilisation to the uncivilised’.
Democracy
The definition of democracy makes it seem like the perfect form of government. But the root of the problem lies in human nature. The innate desire to impose one’s will over others is universal, whether it be a powerful minority exerting control over the masses or the majority overpowering the minority by sheer force of numbers.
Fundamentalism
Any form of dogma, religious fundamentalism in particular, seeks to eliminate dissent and assume control of society under the pretence of working for the greater good. Often, the messengers and representatives of purported divine entities have prescribed inhumane atrocities upon those who refuse to accept the said dogma.
Hypocrisy
Not only does the balance, or the imbalance, of power decide who gets to define moral values, but it also determines where the moral values apply and who is free to ignore them.
Conclusion
It does, therefore, stand to reason that moral values are not necessarily the symbols of virtue that they’re often claimed to be. They are but an extension of the human psyche’s desire for control. They can often serve as tools of manipulation and authority while acting behind the garb of noble intentions.