The Function of Norms in Social Existence

Abstract

Philosophical and theological debates over the past few decades have often centered on the proper place of norms in the moral life. Utilitarians have argued among themselves over act and rule-based theories, and they have argued with deontologists over exceptions to norms. Christian theologians, stirred by “situation ethics,” have struggled over the proper relation of norm to context. The goal of this paper is to bring some clarity to this debate by examining where norms are inappropriate, where useful, and where necessary. The general question we put to ourselves is, “Why do we have norms at all?” For purpose of clarity, I want at the outset to give what I think is a paradigmatic example. Marriage is for many people the central focus of much of their moral existence. Still, there are and there can be no universal norms prescribing who shall get married or whom one shall marry. There are, however, universal norms that apply once one has entered the state of marriage, e.g., “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” There are, furthermore, norms in marriage which are useful guides, such as the norm that both partners should be equally involved in the rearing of children.