A group of self declared moral guardians attacked a pub in Kerala allegedly because a couple were kissing inside. A section of society voiced their outrage, more visible on social media, as they say, on this attack on their individual freedom. So the question is who should decide what is moral and if at all who should enforce it.
Society and morality
Its my belief that purpose of individual life is to lead a happy life and purpose of ideal society is to create such an environment where all individuals can lead a happy life, whatever it means to them, with least conflict with others happy life. In this sense society has a utilitarian purpose and its meaningless to have a stable society if it does not lead to happiness of at least most of its individuals (if not all). I subscribe to another belief that freedom to make personal choices is sine qua non of happiness. Social morality is an attempt to make individuals conform to certain rules which is ostensibly to ensure social order and general happiness. Most of the time such claims are never based on any empirical evidence, indeed at times it can even be argued that existing morality norms perpetuates discrimination and leads to misery. Take for example one time prevailing sanction for polygamy or against widow remarriage. I think only those moralities should be formally enforced which has proven utilitarian value, like prevention of homicide. Moral values like following elders advise or no to PDA (public display of affection) should be inculcated (if at all) at family level without force and once an individual starts taking his/ her own stance on these other issues of moralities he should have full freedom to do that. No authority, formal or informal, should have power to force people to follow any moral code. It does not mean that there should be no public morality. Indeed some moralities makes public life more predictable which i think is desirable to a degree. All I am concerned is some self appointed moral guardians should not be allowed to decide moral codes for an individual.
