Taylor’s understanding of premodern moral order to modern moral order has to do with Plato’s premodern pursuit of excellence by being virtuous as an ideal versus the modern pursuit of security and prosperity, helping ourselves which in turn helps others. For Plato, the highest forms of reality are those that are non-material that philosophers can only understand (9). In the premodern moral order perspective, I can understand that when a hierarchy is endangered it is revealed because it threatens the natural order of things. At present time, Taylor points out that “security and prosperity are now the principle goals of organized society (13). In addition to this perspective, as individuals prosper, in turn others also benefit from their prosperity. In Taylor’s modern moral order I observe in daily interactions that life is based in the pursuit of success. The view that, if I succeed then my family who supported me succeeds and it is this security that will ensure prosperity for those around me. The mentality of having good work ethics and working hard to have a good life is important to ultimate success. I do think that there are other virtues that are important; for example being helpful towards a friend in need or helping out the community. However, sometimes there is no time for these virtuous acts- there is no time to help the community in need especially if one has to work or go to school to earn more money. And as this type of modern moral order continues the outlook of our future will continue to be a push for success through capitalistic eyes.
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