Developing systems of morality, outside of religious influence.

[robvalue]

Personally, I try to do what is best for other people and animals. I don't use any particular system rigidly, I think through each situation on its own merits. I draw up a pro and con list, often mentally if it's not a huge decision, and weigh it up. There's no formula, not even one I could prescribe for myself.

I aim for the situation where I can justify my actions, by explaining my thought processes, at least to myself. Of course, not everyone will agree with my conclusions. They may have weighed things differently. But my conscience tells me whether I've made the most effort I can to be moral.

For rules of thumb, I don't do anything to other people/animals that I wouldn't want them to do to me; and if I can help, then I do.

There is no objective system, as you're now learning. Anyone can just claim their particular system is "the right one", but that's completely pointless. If we can all at least agree that we want to look after each other, then that's a great starting point.

(I have a video where I go into more detail, if you're interested.)