Originally posted by C HessMorality is not a physical property that can evolve. Morality is a mental property that must be learned. The Ten Commandments and other rules were used to teach morality to the people. The fact that they could not keep these commandments taught them how immoral they were.
No, I'm pretty sure it's an evolved ability, made clear by the fact that not everyone possess
it to the same degree. Or are you saying that your god is using evolution as a means of
creation, and we're not quite there yet?
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Originally posted by RJHindsThe basis of morality is and always have been a combination of empathy (on the individual
Morality is not a physical property that can evolve. Morality is a mental property that must be learned.
level) and social contract (on the group level), the latter to a large degree informed by the
former in more stable socities (I think we can all agree). The ability to feel anything
(including empathy) is the result of brain chemistry (as demonstrated by the fact that you
can inhibit emotional responses completely by messing with the right portions of the
brain), and it allows those that do feel empathy to work better in groups, which incidently
betters their chances of survival; their evolutionary success.
It's an evolved trait by extension.
Originally posted by C HessMorality can only be taught and learned. There is no evidence that better morality is passed along through the genes. It appears to me that brain devolution by damage to the DNA programming is more likely than brain evolution.
The basis of morality is and always have been a combination of empathy (on the individual
level) and social contract (on the group level), the latter to a large degree informed by the
former in more stable socities (I think we can all agree). The ability to feel anything
(including empathy) is the result of brain chemistry (as demonstrated by the fact th ...[text shortened]... rs their chances of survival; their evolutionary success.
It's an evolved trait by extension.
Originally posted by RJHinds"It appears to me that..."
Morality can only be taught and learned. There is no evidence that better morality is passed along through the genes. It appears to me that brain devolution by damage to the DNA programming is more likely than brain evolution.
Ah it's your opinion only? Okay, interesting.
"...brain devolution by damage to the DNA programming is more likely..."
And who does the DNA programming, in your opinion? Some kind of intelligent designer who happens to know how to program the DNA? According to your opinion, that is...
Originally posted by C HessI am claiming that morality must be taught and learned. Morality learned by the parents is not something that is passed on genetically to the children so that the children receive the same morality instinctively without instruction.
Through the social contract and the capacity for empathy, the latter a result of brain chemistry, which can indeed get selected for.
Originally posted by FabianFnasYou must have taken your smart pill today.
"It appears to me that..."
Ah it's your opinion only? Okay, interesting.
"...brain devolution by damage to the DNA programming is more likely..."
And who does the DNA programming, in your opinion? Some kind of intelligent designer who happens to know how to program the DNA? According to your opinion, that is...
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Originally posted by RJHindsThe ability to empathise, and therefore absorb the social contract and live by it, is what's
I am claiming that morality must be taught and learned. Morality learned by the parents is not something that is passed on genetically to the children so that the children receive the same morality instinctively without instruction.
evolved. It's only the basis for morality, not the morality itself.
Originally posted by moonbusWhat guides your morality. Some (like myself) try to follow the Bible, others choose the Quran, still others the Torah. Some monks study different writings, we all, at a foundational level have something that guides our morals and principles. What is yours?
Are you asking for my personal view, or hypothetically, somebody-anybody might have such-or-such a basis?
Originally posted by yoctobyteI have replied to your private message box and look forward to further comments.
What guides your morality. Some (like myself) try to follow the Bible, others choose the Quran, still others the Torah. Some monks study different writings, we all, at a foundational level have something that guides our morals and principles. What is yours?