Benchmarks, Morality and You

"You are the best judge for yourself" and "Nemo Judex in Causa" (No one should be a judge in his own case) are two maxims that stand in contradiction to each other and none is wrong per se. Reconciliation of these two maxims is paramount and it forms a key to a safe and happy life.

We are responsible for our actions and liable to face the consequences also since we set our own benchmarks and do what we feel is right to the extent of that benchmark.
Benchmark, if I define, is a standard point of reference against which things may be compared. Our benchmarks are decided by us and nobody else does it nor we allow them since we wholly and heartily abide by the first maxim. We set such benchmarks thinking that we can judge what is good for us and what is not. This may apply to any case- whether taking drugs, drinking, indulging in sexual activities or any other routine action.

Where does morality stand in all such benchmarks? Morality and ethics become absolutely relative to such standard points of reference. Since all my friends do such thing to such extent then I can do at least this much. Even if this is wrong or immoral, we give ourselves a gateway for indulging in such activities. This is not intentional, rather natural human tendency. Our morals are set according to other people's actions. In all these cases, I was referring to the first maxim but it is important to observe that in the end, somebody else is deciding your actions.

Morals should be conceived in your actions in such a way that they reflect a general ethical attitude towards something and not a reflection of the act of a section of society. I am not hinting at adopting the orthodox mindsets which may be considered ethical, I am just emphasizing on being moral and ethical in a just and conscious manner. It is not that such morals are static. Society is dynamic and so should morals be.

Coming to the second maxim, Nemo Judex in Causa Sua. According to this maxim, no one should be a judge in his own case. This is also called 'the Rule against Bias'. Now, when we are held liable for our actions, we justify our actions according to our own benchmarks and ideals. Now, such action may or may not be wrong, but since it is compatible with your benchmark, you head on towards doing that and in fact achieving that in its entirety. Your morals are decided by your own benchmarks. You set the moral standards yourself, albeit such standards may fall way below the moral standards currently prevailing or which are actually right. Sometimes, we should allow other people to set benchmarks for us like the elderly or our parents or any other person who actually thinks for the good of ourselves.

So, both the maxims stand true at some point and that a reconciliation between the two maxims may prove to be beneficial in the long run which would also allow us to keep our mind open to new benchmarks and ideas which may be inputs from your angle as also outputs from other's angles.

Please share your opinions and takeaways in the comment section below.