Moral Alignment
The 3×3 alignment grid exploring the intersection of ethical impulse and structural orientation.
Origins
The alignment system originated in tabletop role-playing games (D&D, 1977) as a tool for character development. It has since been adopted more broadly as a framework for understanding moral and behavioral tendencies.
The system uses two independent axes: one measuring ethical impulse (Good/Neutral/Evil) and another measuring orientation toward structure (Lawful/Neutral/Chaotic).
The Two Axes
Impulse Axis (Good → Evil)
- Good: Prioritizes others' wellbeing, altruism, compassion
- Neutral: Balanced self-interest and consideration for others
- Evil: Prioritizes self-interest, willing to harm others for gain
Structure Axis (Lawful → Chaotic)
- Lawful: Values order, tradition, rules, hierarchy
- Neutral: Pragmatic about rules, neither rigid nor rebellious
- Chaotic: Values freedom, individuality, flexibility
The 9 Alignments
Application
While originally designed for fictional characters, the alignment grid can serve as a reflective tool for examining one's own moral intuitions and relationship with authority and structure.
Most people don't fit cleanly into one box — alignment can shift based on context, relationships, and circumstances. The framework is best used as a starting point for moral reflection rather than a rigid classification.
Limitations
The alignment system oversimplifies moral philosophy. Real ethical frameworks (consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics) offer more nuanced approaches to understanding moral reasoning.
Additionally, labeling anything "evil" can be problematic when applied to real people. The system works better for examining abstract moral tendencies than for judging actual human behavior.