Moral Scope

Most discussions of morality question how much good or bad is being done. While this is certainly an important aspect of the conversation, it is really only part. In my estimation, this question is a question of degree. To what degree are you doing good?

There is also a question of scope. What is the scope of your good? What is the range of your moral actions?

See, an ethical act need only performed on that which is worth ethical consideration. Few would be offended by the breaking of a dead tree branch, for dead plant matter is outside the scope of moral consideration.

But when someone breaks your child's arm, there is trouble. One's children are within the scope of almost everyone's moral consideration. Common moral scopes are self, family, town, nation, particular race, human race, mammal, chordates, all living things.


When pursuing the greatest possible good is is imperative that we not only do good, but that we do it for the good of the most possible things. Actively strive to widen the range of your compassion. Tear down the walls that limit your ethical consideration, and let your love matter for all.