17 Feb 05
...... good and evil.
Nobody will deny, I hope, that we humans have the ability to distinguish between good and evil. How can this ability be explained by evolution theory. How did it evolve ? Why was it necessary seen in the light of the notion of "Survival of the fittest" ? Why can't we do without ? ... or can we ?
What are your thoughts ?
17 Feb 05
1 edit
Originally posted by ivanhoePlease define evil.
...... good and evil.
Nobody will deny, I hope, that we humans have the ability to distinguish between good and evil. How can this ability be explained by evolution theory. How did it evolve ? Why was it necessary seen in the light of th ...[text shortened]... can't we do without ? ... or can we ?
What are your thoughts ?
I know that humans can distinguish between right and wrong, but so can animals. If a cat steps on a hot stove it realizes that that is bad and it won't do it again. Infants don't automatically know what is right and what is wrong, a toddler will go up to his sister and poke her in the eye and unless told that it is wrong will do it over and over. We learn right from wrong through positive or negative reinforcemant, not from some higher being.
17 Feb 05
Originally posted by ivanhoeFirst of all, good and evil are relative terms. Our conception of them has evolved along with our circumstances and will no doubt continue to do so. But our ability to recognize what is generally accepted as good and evil in this present time is due to our realization that we should treat others as we would have them treat us. This maximizes our chances for survival. It is in our best interests to have some sort of moral code.
...... good and evil.
Nobody will deny, I hope, that we humans have the ability to distinguish between good and evil. How can this ability be explained by evolution theory. How did it evolve ? Why was it necessary seen in the light of the notion of "Survival of the fittest" ? Why can't we do without ? ... or can we ?
What are your thoughts ?
17 Feb 05
Originally posted by CliffLandinI think you're confusing *moral* right and wrong with *physical* (i.e. painful) right and wrong...
Please define evil.
I know that humans can distinguish between right and wrong, but so can animals. If a cat steps on a hot stove it realizes that that is bad and it won't do it again. Infants don't automatically know what is right and what is wrong, a toddler will go up to his sister and poke her in the eye and unless told that it is wrong will ...[text shortened]... e learn right from wrong through positive or negative reinforcemant, not from some higher being.
17 Feb 05
Originally posted by ivangriceSo please explain how people that continually brutalize one another, know moral right from wrong. And also explain how an infant knows moral right from wrong unless it is taught moral right from wrong. Your original post claims that humans innately know this.
I think you're confusing *moral* right and wrong with *physical* (i.e. painful) right and wrong...