Morality is normatively defined as “a code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be proposed by all rational persons” (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Throughout history, morality, or rather the idea of “correct” morality, has been a major topic of discussion. How do humans acquire morality? What makes human beings moral? Who in a society defines morality? In every workplace, ethical and moral behavior is expected and is the norm. Both 17th century philosopher Blaise Pascal and public relations professional Patricia Parsons believe that morality should be present in the workplace. Pascal created his life's work, Pensées, in the 17th century. The collection was written to help remove any misunderstandings or stigma of the Christian religion. Patricia Parsons wrote Ethics in Public Relations: A Guide to Best Practices in 2008. The book explores the idea of what ethical practices in public relations are and provides examples and evidence to prove the point. Therefore, if you consider what morality looks like in society, Pascal's place of work will be the church, while Parsons' place will be a public relations firm. Both of these places serve the public abatement in different ways. This article will explore the guiding system for moral development and how humans acquire morality as they live and experience life. These two individuals couldn't be more different, yet they both share similar views on morality. Morality is essential for a successful professional life. To begin with, humans are driven. Born new, humans must learn their place in life. Physically, emotionally or ethically, minds must run and be guided by something. This "something" that makes human beings better and forces them to grow and advance. Something that guides human beings to...... middle of paper...... is learned through life experience, through the people who raise and teach. Through these life experiences, morality transforms into a belief system that one can choose to believe. This system, good or bad, allows humans to follow a certain path. Without this moral belief system, the world would descend into chaos. Both writers who discuss the idea of morality provide an essential opinion in the world. Their arguments not only teach people how to act, but also how to treat each other throughout their lives. Morality allows people to be their best, forcing them to be responsible for their actions and making a person learn from their mistakes. Reading both of these works, it is obvious that to have morality in the workplace, you must first have a strong personal moral foundation. Morality is necessary to excel in the professional world.
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