How about Morality/Laws?

scpitcher · 09-20-2006, 09:34 PM

I'd like to start a discussion of Morality but not sure which forum it would fit best in?

If I may quote from George's introduction "Most would agree that the majority of our laws no matter what country you are from are rooted in religious beliefs. I don't live my life worrying about getting into heaven or hell based on rules written by men with no way of proving whether or not they are correct or that there even is a heaven or hell to get into."

Raised in a Christian home, I believe we should not lie, steal or harm each other.

So my basic question is "Without belief in God/heaven/hell is there any such thing as right or wrong?"

I don't care much for the right-wing absolutes and in a Darwinian sense there would be no right/wrong - only survival or not. Why should we hold ourselves to a higher standard?

I have some more thoughts of my own on this subject, but will save some for later

Has anyone else given this any thought?

Mike

**George** · 09-20-2006, 10:28 PM

Well as you can see from my post I've given it plenty of thought.

I can only speak for myself so you have my interest. I'm curious as to what type of topics you post in a Morality/Laws section.

Just trying to see whether it will spark interest and bring about topics I hadn't thought of. If so I don't see why we shouldn't start the section.

scpitcher · 09-20-2006, 11:52 PM

George,

I see two threads to start with, then who knows?

1. Can we agree on universal moral rules w/o using the traditional Religious texts as a starting point? What is our rational or justification for these? (example: A moral person does not lie, because...)

2. Can we extend those personal rules to society in general as laws? If we all followed the same rules there would be no need for laws. Some individuals in society choose not to follow generally accepted rules of conduct, thus it is necessary to establish some laws to enforce minimum standards.

Related discussions could arise regarding "situational ethics" or a "hierarchy of morals". (example: What if you could prevent harm or death by telling a lie?)

If there are no rules w/o religion is the only moral course for me to lie, cheat, covet, steal & procreate as much as possible to ensure that my genes are carried on?

For me this is a key point that should be considered if you are living w/o religion.

Anyway there may or may not be enough enough material to keep a forumn going for long.

Mike

**George** · 09-21-2006, 09:13 PM

Section added.

- George