Not A Poll: Does Motivation Affect Morality?

[Excited Penguin]

I would say there is no fixed, correct way to "measure" morality. Everyone uses their own method.

Personally, I take as many factors into consideration as possible. I certainly don't just consider outcomes. So yes, for me, motivation makes a difference regarding my assessment.

To show a simple example of why I consider this to be the case:

I hack into a charity's bank account, with the intention of stealing their money. I accidentally give them my money instead, and am then unable to correct my mistake. I would consider the act completely immoral, due to the motivation (and intent), even though the outcome would generally be considered moral if you had no other information.

The act itself isn't immoral, but the motivation behind it makes you immoral, if you wish.

Everyone uses their own method is another way of saying nothing means anything. There are various "correct" ways to measure morality. Laws, for one. In other words, we should both develop and enforce moral systems upon others(that necessarily includes everyone), as should we improve upon them as time moves forward. Fortunately, we've been doing this for millenia, or we wouldn't even be having this conversation.