| SFM | NPM | |
| Competitive World: real and ideal | Cooperation: ideal and partly real | |
| Natural order is the Moral Order (i.e., the social world is basically OK the way it is) | World is not always fair but should be made more so (social reform) | |
| SF Morality must be vigorously defended; "morality" must be defended against deviants | Other views must be at least considered; maybe we can learn from them | |
| Bad behavior results from personal causes alone | Social causes often partly explain bad behavior | |
| Retributive punishment is the best response to wrongdoing | Restitution should be used instead of retribution where possible | |
| Fear of pain and desire for pleasure are the main motivators | People may be motivated by desire for love, respect, and self-respect |
10. Moral Systems and Public Policies
| Policy | SFM / Conservative | NPM / Liberal |
| Student loans for needy | Oppose | Support |
| Aid to illegal immigrants | Oppose | Support |
| Drug use | Just say no | Education |
| Society's best response to illegal drugs | Jail lawbreakers | Decriminalization |
| Progressive taxation | Oppose | Support |
| Abortion rights | Oppose | Support |
| Military spending in peacetime | Maintain | Decrease |
| Gun control | Oppose | Support |
| Corporal punishment | Support | Oppose |
| Death penalty for "heinous crimes" | Support | Oppose |
| Social programs to reduce crime | Oppose | Support |
| Affirmative action | Oppose | Support |
| Environmental regulations | Oppose | Support |
| Diverse cultures in the curriculum | Oppose | Support |
| Nonhuman nature | Has instrumental value only | Has inherent value too |
| Premarital sex | Oppose | OK sometimes |
| Gay rights | Oppose | Support |
|
Post the Ten Commandments in the schools and other public places | Support | Oppose |