Difference between revisions of "Morality"
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'''Morality''' is a system of values placed upon certain actions and opinions. An example would be that some people think that the [[marriage]] of a man to another man is moral based on the principles of [[utilitarianism]]. However, others think that such a thing is immoral. Some people believe that marriage of any sort is amoral (without morality). Therefore, these people would have differing moral codes. | '''Morality''' is a system of values placed upon certain actions and opinions. An example would be that some people think that the [[marriage]] of a man to another man is moral based on the principles of [[utilitarianism]]. However, others think that such a thing is immoral. Some people believe that marriage of any sort is amoral (without morality). Therefore, these people would have differing moral codes. | ||
| − | ==Morality based on | + | ==Morality based on evolution== |
| − | Some [[biology|biologists]] argue that morality grew out of behavioral rules shaped by evolution. They see social behaviors displayed by some [[primate]]s as the precursors of human morality. They cite examples such as [[rhesus monkey]]s which, when given a chance to get food by pulling a chain that delivers a shock to another monkey, have been known to [[starvation|starve]] themselves for a considerable time.<ref>"Primates and Philosophers" by Frans de Waal</ref> | + | Some [[biology|biologists]] argue that morality grew out of behavioral rules shaped by [[Theory of evolution|evolution]]. They see social behaviors displayed by some [[primate]]s as the precursors of human morality. They cite examples such as [[rhesus monkey]]s which, when given a chance to get food by pulling a chain that delivers a shock to another monkey, have been known to [[starvation|starve]] themselves for a considerable time.<ref>"Primates and Philosophers" by Frans de Waal</ref> |
Dr. [[Frans de Waal]] argues that primates are social animals, and must constrain their behavior in order to live in a group. He maintains that these constraints have shaped behaviors from which human morality has emerged. He does not assert that chimpanzees are moral, but argues that emotional bases that can be observed among primates are the foundation for the evolution of human morality. | Dr. [[Frans de Waal]] argues that primates are social animals, and must constrain their behavior in order to live in a group. He maintains that these constraints have shaped behaviors from which human morality has emerged. He does not assert that chimpanzees are moral, but argues that emotional bases that can be observed among primates are the foundation for the evolution of human morality. | ||
He points to the display of both [[empathy]] and self-awareness among apes, and asserts that human morality begins with a similar concern for others and the understanding of social rules about the treatment of others. <ref>New York Times: [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/20/science/20moral.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5124&en=84f902c89c5a9173&ex=1332043200&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink "Scientist Finds the Beginnings of Morality in Primate Behavior"]</ref> | He points to the display of both [[empathy]] and self-awareness among apes, and asserts that human morality begins with a similar concern for others and the understanding of social rules about the treatment of others. <ref>New York Times: [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/20/science/20moral.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5124&en=84f902c89c5a9173&ex=1332043200&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink "Scientist Finds the Beginnings of Morality in Primate Behavior"]</ref> | ||
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| + | However, these arguments presume evolution to be true. | ||
| + | It could equally be argued that God created such creates to act in a way that we would consider moral. | ||
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| + | Evolution actually provides no basis for morality: | ||
| + | {{QuoteBox|'''Jaron Lanier''': ‘There’s a large group of people who simply are uncomfortable with accepting evolution because it leads to what they perceive as a moral vacuum, in which their best impulses have no basis in nature.’<br /> | ||
| + | '''Richard Dawkins''': ‘All I can say is, That’s just tough. We have to face up to the truth.<ref>'Evolution: The dissent of Darwin,’ ''Psychology Today'' 30(1):62, January/February 1997, quoted in ''Creation'' 20(3):44, June 1998.</ref>}} | ||
==Morality based on religion== | ==Morality based on religion== | ||
Revision as of 15:06, May 29, 2008
Morality is a system of values placed upon certain actions and opinions. An example would be that some people think that the marriage of a man to another man is moral based on the principles of utilitarianism. However, others think that such a thing is immoral. Some people believe that marriage of any sort is amoral (without morality). Therefore, these people would have differing moral codes.
Morality based on evolution
Some biologists argue that morality grew out of behavioral rules shaped by evolution. They see social behaviors displayed by some primates as the precursors of human morality. They cite examples such as rhesus monkeys which, when given a chance to get food by pulling a chain that delivers a shock to another monkey, have been known to starve themselves for a considerable time.[1]
Dr. Frans de Waal argues that primates are social animals, and must constrain their behavior in order to live in a group. He maintains that these constraints have shaped behaviors from which human morality has emerged. He does not assert that chimpanzees are moral, but argues that emotional bases that can be observed among primates are the foundation for the evolution of human morality.
He points to the display of both empathy and self-awareness among apes, and asserts that human morality begins with a similar concern for others and the understanding of social rules about the treatment of others. [2]
However, these arguments presume evolution to be true. It could equally be argued that God created such creates to act in a way that we would consider moral.
Evolution actually provides no basis for morality:
Jaron Lanier: ‘There’s a large group of people who simply are uncomfortable with accepting evolution because it leads to what they perceive as a moral vacuum, in which their best impulses have no basis in nature.’
Richard Dawkins: ‘All I can say is, That’s just tough. We have to face up to the truth.[3]
Morality based on religion
Others see a close connection between morality and religion. As Thomas Brewton points out, things like the Ten Commandments or the Code of Hammurabi were sets of rules to establish moral behavior, enforced in the context of religion.[4]
References
- ↑ "Primates and Philosophers" by Frans de Waal
- ↑ New York Times: "Scientist Finds the Beginnings of Morality in Primate Behavior"
- ↑ 'Evolution: The dissent of Darwin,’ Psychology Today 30(1):62, January/February 1997, quoted in Creation 20(3):44, June 1998.
- ↑ The Conservative Voice: "Morality and Political Order" by Thomas Brewton