Atheists only vote please: Do absolute MORAL truths exist? Is Rape ALWAYS "wrong"?

[Tsun Tsu]

I'm very sorry. In the last post I seem to have not made myself clear. I apologize for this. The information I am compiling is a comparative study on Theistic and Atheistic values and convictions, and their impact on society.

Also since it seems someone took me wrong when I said I wouldn't challenge the belief stated, I guess we can do that in this thread too if you like.

So the question... Does absolute universal moral truth exist? Is there ANYTHING where it can be said that it is morally true universally?

For instance: "Rape is ALWAYS wrong" <<<This would be considered a moral truth. Is it universally true? Is it true even if society deemed that rape was perfectly acceptable?

[Alex K]

I deem it always wrong, but that is a concept bound to humans and our interpretation of the world, not a fundamental principle of the universe. Therefore I cant seem to answer the poll.

It's no, yes for me

[Tsun Tsu]

If possible, please use this thread. In the first thread I was not at all clear enough for my statistics... thank you, and my apologies

[Aoi Magi]

Rape is indeed always wrong. However it is NOT an universal truth.

The concept of rape exists in human society, but is not part of nature as the concept is not consistently present throughout the animal kingdom.

[Tsun Tsu]

I deem it always wrong, but that is a concept bound to humans and our interpretation of the world, not a fundamental principle of the universe.

Would this extend to being wrong for any advanced race anywhere in time or space?

[Jackalope]

How deep down the rabbit hole do you want to go?

Is rape always wrong? Applied to moral agents, I'd have a tough time saying no - except that the moral wrongness of rape appears to be a product of our social structure. It certainly has not been viewed as universally wrong at all times, so I'd have to say it's subjective.

However, in the context of absolute, universal morality, I'd have to include entities that aren't moral agents, and the water gets even murkier.

I'm sticking with no.

[Alex K]

I deem it always wrong, but that is a concept bound to humans and our interpretation of the world, not a fundamental principle of the universe.

Would this extend to being wrong for any advanced race anywhere in time or space?

The concept of what rape is becomes unclear when applied to very diffetent beings.

[Tsun Tsu]

Rape is indeed always wrong. However it is NOT an universal truth.

The concept of rape exists in human society, but is not part of nature as the concept is not consistently present throughout the animal kingdom.

Would you consider rape to be wrong even for those who deem it acceptable? And what about advanced life across the universe. If it exists, would rape also be wrong for that society, even if they accept it as normal or "ok"?

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This place is very active. I thank you for this, and really wasn't expecting it.

I believe most people are agreeing that morality is subjective. Rape is wrong for one group, but is acceptable to another. Is this correct?
So far, in my results from other sites, Theists would regard rape as universally wrong despite those viewing it as acceptable. In other words, theists believe "Universal truth is bigger than society, larger than the universe. They would say it is universally true regardless of dissenting views. Those holding the opposite view are simply wrong".
In this case the theist would say that those regarding rape as acceptable are wrong... it is still an evil or "wrong" thing to do.
How does the atheist counter this?

[Cato]

If someone wants to be fucked it is not rape.

[Jackalope]

Rape is indeed always wrong. However it is NOT an universal truth.

The concept of rape exists in human society, but is not part of nature as the concept is not consistently present throughout the animal kingdom.

Would you consider rape to be wrong even for those who deem it acceptable? And what about advanced life across the universe. If it exists, would rape also be wrong for that society, even if they accept it as normal or "ok"?

---

This place is very active. I thank you for this, and really wasn't expecting it.

I believe most people are agreeing that morality is subjective. Rape is wrong for one group, but is acceptable to another. Is this correct?
So far, in my results from other sites, Theists would regard rape as universally wrong despite those viewing it as acceptable. In other words, theists believe "Universal truth is bigger than society, larger than the universe. They would say it is universally true regardless of dissenting views. Those holding the opposite view are simply wrong".
In this case the theist would say that those regarding rape as acceptable are wrong... it is still an evil or "wrong" thing to do.
How does the atheist counter this?

I would agree that those that think rape is morally acceptable are wrong. However, that is my own subjective opinion. I counter the theist claim simply by pointing out that they can't demonstrate the existence of a source of universal morality, only assert that it is so.