The question of “where morals come from” has exercised philosophers, theologians and many others for millennia. It has lately, like many other questions previously addressed only through armchair rumination, become addressable empirically, through the combined approaches of modern neuroscience, genetics, psychology, anthropology and many other disciplines.
From these approaches a naturalistic framework is emerging to explain the biological origins of moral behavior. From this perspective, morality is neither objective nor transcendent – it is the pragmatic and culture-dependent expression of a set of neural systems that have evolved to allow our navigation of complex human social systems.
Key Takeaways:
- On the fundamental question–evolution or creation? –Americans are on the fence. According to one survey, while 61% of Americans believe we have evolved over time, 22% believe this evolution was guided by a higher power, with another 31% on the side of creationism.
- For some, modern science debunks many of religions’ core beliefs, but for others, questions like “Why are we here?” and “How did it all come about?” can only be answered through a belief in the existence of God. Can science and religion coexist?
- The voice of conscience is the Holy Spirit. Morality comes from the perfect standard of Messiah. God who made the nations has the right to judge them. It’s what He does.
“According to one survey, while 61% of Americans believe we have evolved over time, 22% believe this evolution was guided by a higher power, with another 31% on the side of creationism.”
~Comments always welcome…
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References:
- IntelligenceSquaredUS.org
- IntelligenceSquared Debates (YouTube Channel)
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