“Suppose that the moral structure, the ethical voice, the heart-wrenching aesthetic, the endless yearning for a world made good, are not the fantasies of a deracinated ape, but rather are signposts to deep realities in which our destiny may be involved.” Simon Conway Morris, Professor of Paleobiology, Cambridge University.
Blogging Theology 
Suppose that morality may not be driven by a deity that applies differing standards (or is held to different standards by different people), but rather by our evolution as social animals, and built on instinctive premises.
LikeLike
timon,
Sounds like Darwinism is your religion. Who imbued us with those “instinctive premises?”
LikeLike
Evolution.
LikeLike
In that case, immorality would be just as much of an evolved and deeply innate trait.
How do you then suppose the justice system takes into account these evolved instincts of morality that vary from one person to the next?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not necessarily VS. Our evolution has given us logic and reason, along with a deep-seated need to fit in and be part of a group. Behaviour which threatens the welfare of the group leads to the perpetrators being punished.
LikeLike
Hi Darthimon,
Are you saying that this instinct which human possess is inherently “programmed” toward morality?
LikeLike
No. It’s shaped – and been shaped – by our evolution.
LikeLike
Ok, why do you think it is shaped- and been shaped- toward good not the other way around?
LikeLike
Because such behaviours are more likely to ensure the survival of the species.
LikeLike
But how does this instinct “know”which direction it must develop which will result in such behaviour which ensure the welfare of its host species?
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Darthtimon”
“Behaviour which threatens the welfare of the group leads to the perpetrators being punished.”
But your ethical judgement is focused mainly on individual rights, not on social welfare. For instance see our discussion on alcohol.
LikeLike
Yes, I believe in individual rights. I also believe in the welfare of the group. These are not mutually exclusive positions. The vast majority of people who drink do so responsibly. Those who abuse alcohol (or any substance for that matter) and carry out disruptive acts find themselves punished.
LikeLike
Alcohol consumption damages social welfare. Just read the statistics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Commanding the death of children as God did in the Bible damages society in a horrific fashion, yet we are supposed to regard God as a beacon of morality.
LikeLike
“Our evolution has given us logic and reason…” darthtimon
Dart, are you familiar with Anton Flew? He was considered one of the preeminent spokespersons for atheists during the 20th century. Late in life he said he realized that evolution was not possible in light of what science had discovered about the complexity of DNA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yet there are plenty of scientists – such as Brian Cox, to name but one – who would argue that evolution remains the best explanation for our existence.
LikeLike
Darthtimon
“Commanding the death of children as God did in the Bible damages society in a horrific fashion, yet we are supposed to regard God as a beacon of morality.”
Come on Dude, you are comparing hard statistical facts to an ancient book full of fairytales?
If your statement was true
“Our evolution has given us logic and reason, along with a deep-seated need to fit in and be part of a group. Behaviour which threatens the welfare of the group leads to the perpetrators being punished.”
you should condemn alcohol consumption, but you don’t. So it’s not as easy “evolutionary plain simple” as you make it out to be, I would say.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And he will not tell us what HE believes for some reason
LikeLike
*Why* do you make the arbitrary distinction that morality is an evolved trait while immorality isn’t – when both would have been present for millions of years and both would have improved individual and collective survival?
Why cite Brian Cox as some sort of authority who thinks Darwinian evolution is the best explanation of our existence? Isn’t his area of expertise physics, not life sciences or social sciences?
LikeLike
is that what you actually believe?
LikeLike
I’ll tell you what I definitely don’t believe – I don’t believe anyone or anything can claim the moral high ground if they kill (or command the killing of) children.
LikeLike
but I’m interested to know what you do believe.
LikeLike
darthtimon, “I’ll tell you what I definitely don’t believe – I don’t believe anyone or anything can claim the moral high ground if they kill (or command the killing of) children.”
Why?
LikeLike
“Yet there are plenty of scientists – such as Brian Cox, to name but one – who would argue that evolution remains the best explanation for our existence.” darthtimon
good point.
LikeLike
“The vast majority of people who drink do so responsibly.” DARTHTIMON
Did you know Dart, one in 7 who drinks alcohol ends up an alcoholic? I was amazed when I learned that. Russian roulette baby
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another evolutionary process Hank. Only the fittest survive. Preachers like you are doomed unfortunately.
LikeLike
Indeed, that is quite a statement to make. In certain areas of the world, you can’t drive (for good reason) after having one beer.
What might be the percentage of people who ventured on the road at least once after drinking? A majority?
LikeLiked by 1 person