‘A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.’ – Socrates.

Morality is the guide to individual conduct, of the good and the bad. It shapes the notion of right and wrong at the personal level. Socrates in the above statement highlights the problems of morality being rooted in emotional values, which can result in arbitrariness. 

Issues of morality rooted in emotional values:

1. The principle of objectivity is compromised. 

2. Emotions can change and differ from person to person. Therefore, the essence of morality will get undermined. For example, emotions of anger can justify mob lynching. 

3. Morality based on relative emotional values justifies practices which are ethically unjustified. E.g.: Suicide in Tamil Nadu or acceptance of suicide by Samurais in Japan. 

4. Morality based on emotional values can go against constitutional morality for example the Sabarimala debate. 

5. Emotions are transient, temporary and dependent on subjectivity and therefore not the best means for shaping morality. 

Relative moral values can therefore pose ethical dilemmas and impede any universally acceptable notion of what is right and wrong. Morality therefore, should be shaped and reinforced by the more formal ethics and provisions of law to address the issues inherent in emotions shaping morality.