(September 10, 2011 at 1:16 pm)StatCrux Wrote: I have struggled with this question regarding atheism for a while and can see no adequate argument, its the main problem I have with atheism, it always seems to logically end in nihilism, i tend to be in agreement with much of what Nietzsche says on the matter. Theism seems to offer some form of common starting point on which to base morality, people may disagree but there is a common point of reference. How would two atheists resolve disputes on morality? I have yet to hear an adequate resolution to this problem.
The reason you are reaching those conclusions is either inherent bias or overstretching the word atheism. Atheism refers to a lack of belief, not morals, not underwear color, not books read, not style, not gender, not race, etc. It is nothing but a lack of belief in god(s). The only reason you think morality stems from theism is because you are a theist. You have never managed morals without coaching from a book or religious leader. If you had, you would understand that the starting point for morality is something that most humans have -- empathy and sympathy. It is that basic. People who lack those two things are sociopaths, not atheists, though I am sure some sociopaths are atheists. All you have to do to get your answer is ask yourself why atheists -- who you see as having no path to morality save nihilism -- are not the bane of society. Why am I not a violent criminal? You do realize that we are not violent criminals, right? Well, with that realization, you should see another path to seek your answers, though I assure you they all come down to empathy and sympathy, not theism.
