Moral corruption

Abstract

I begin with an analysis of physical corruption, in the hope that it will throw light on moral corruption. An understanding of corruption of either sort requires an understanding of what it is to be in a sound state. I consider the criteria for natural soundness and corruption, and then attempt to discover what the state of moral soundness might be. I first consider innocence, but argue that this cannot be taken as the morally sound state. Corruption of innocence is properly seen as the moral corruption of an innocent person; moral corruption can follow other states than innocence and must be contrasted with a state of moral soundness other than innocence.

My second suggestion is that integrity is an essential part of the state of moral soundness. Integrity is seen as the keeping of commitments, both those to others and those to ideals or values. I argue that we cannot think of a man who lacks integrity as a good man. Corruption is then identified as a rejection of the binding force of commitments. I test this criterion against various examples of corruption. This leads to qualification and the recognition of a commitment to obey one's conscience, and further to a discussion of the relation between self-deception and corruption. In the last chapter I try to show that moral corruption and natural corruption have much in common, and can be seen as the same process operating in two different spheres.