Question

To what extent do our moral ideas reflect the society around us, and to what extent are we free to think for ourselves about moral matters?

Answer 1

Morals are the rules which decide whether individual or group action is right or wrong. It is the accepted societal norm. As individuals are impacted by the society around, the individual moral is determined in tune with that of societal norms. Thus, our moral ideas do reflect the society around us to a very large extent. Example: If societal norm is to treat everyone with respect and dignity, then, as an individual, it will be an adopted moral idea from society. So, individual moral is to a large extent in sync with societal moral.

An individual is free to think for ourselves about moral matters but to a limited extent. As it is the part of a society, it is important that moral idea is accepted in society too. Example: An individual may feel it is okay to drink liquor every day. But, if society is such that it prohibits drinking, then, it will be an issue.

So, a person is free to think only to limited extent till the point it is not a part of society