What does morality mean to you?

[robvalue]

As usual, I'm very concerned with definitions. If at the very least the two parties in a discussion don't agree on what words mean, things quickly become a confused mess.

In the discussions I've been having about morality, it became suddenly clear what morality is really about from my point of view. So I'm interested in how many people would agree with my definition, which is poll option 1.

The morality of an action is decided by:

1) The intention behind the action. Trying to do what you consider to be the right thing, given your beliefs and knowledge, is what determines morality: intending to cause good/bad consequences.

2) The consequences of the action. The beliefs or intent of the person are irrelevant as to deciding whether the action is moral, all that matters is the end result. It is then judged moral or immoral by the person themselves, or by others.

3) Other. (Please specify).

The definition of "good" and "bad" is the subject of a whole other discussion. We'll roughly say they are about human wellbeing for simplicity.

The reason I say intent is important is because I can live my life not meaning to harm anyone, but mistakes happen. If I accidentally harm someone (and I'm not drunk, or acting irresponsibly), was I being immoral? I'd say no. But to consider only the consequences, then yes, I was being immoral. Also, if I'm acting under a mistaken belief and mean to help someone but actually end up harming them, is that immoral? I'd say no.

Also, I may mean to harm someone, but screw up what I'm doing and end up helping them. Is my action then moral? I'd say no, it was immoral because the intent was bad.

To me the actual consequences are irrelevant; it's the intention behind causing particular consequences which determines morality.