Morality - Two Train Tracks

Being able to differentiate the good and evil behind the intentions or decisions made is what we have come to define as morality. Morality however as we have seen throughout the course of history is in fact subjective and varies from person to person. So what is morality? Can we choose what's right and what's wrong? Then would that not lead to chaos due to the difference in the opinions of individuals - each fighting for what he/she believes is right? The classic question based on a hypothetical story comes to mind; you are in control of a mechanism that allows you to switch the tracks on the railroad. You look up to see a train that clearly shows signs that it has lost its breaks. Down the line you see the tracks diverge into two; one where a few kids are playing and the other with workers trying to fix the track. Which track are you going to choose for the train to run into?

You're probably thinking 'use the damn horn on the train to warn them' but consider the fact that you do not know whether somebody is in control of the train or whether the horn still works. Now think about it again. 

There is really no right answer to the question so whichever track you have chosen is a clear indication of your morality. Who deserves to live? Killing either group would be immoral but your mind has chosen its moral ground. Now your choice is unique to you meaning your morality is subjective despite the fact that there are only two choices and so some of you will have the same choices. We also note that there are many factors that influence our stand on what is right and wrong.

This is why laws exist; to sort of bring about a unanimity among individuals - not necessarily in opinion but in actions and behaviour. Laws and rules reduce the difference in opinion and thus lessen the chaos that would otherwise exist if each were given the freedom to choose their own morality. Religion also goes a long way as to where we draw the line. We are told and shown what is right and wrong during our childhood and thus it sticks with us throughout life. So if drugs are illegal because they are bad, we will choose to believe so. But what about countries like the Netherlands where it is legal? Where do we draw the line? It is really up to the people to decide. Now what that means is not that individuals are allowed to decide, no. It is a collective group of individuals who share the same interests that decide what is right and wrong. Thus, governments come about and authorities are elected to run the country etc. The term majority wins fits perfectly well in recognizing what morality really is. Morality is a principle that distinguishes the good and bad based on the opinion of a collection of individuals who share the same thoughts and ideals.