Evolution cannot account for morality

[onlinebiker]

Morals and god are indeed intertwined.

They were both created by humans....

[Gwaithmir]

Since when is evolution supposed to account for morality?

[chiknsld]

Morals and god are indeed intertwined.

They were both created by humans....

I think I am starting to understand now. Humans created morality therefore it is a consequence of intelligence rather than evolution right?

[chiknsld]

Since when is evolution supposed to account for morality?

You're absolutely right. I thought, however, that there were atheists that were positing ways in which evolution can account for morality. I believe that Jehanne mentioned in one of Richard Dawkins' books he tried to posit such notions?

[Belacqua]

Since when is evolution supposed to account for morality?

In post #11 on this thread, Astreja asserts that evolution can account for morality.

[Jehanne]

Since when is evolution supposed to account for morality?

In post #11 on this thread, Astreja asserts that evolution can account for morality.

None of us are authorities; does it really matter what any of us think? Among experts, views differ. Evolution is a fact, like gravity. Morality also exists, but, we didn't get it from any of the monotheistic religions, at least in the West. Modern society has much more to do with Hobbes, Locke and the deistic French philosophes than it does with conservative Christianity who, if they ever get real power, will just end up fighting amongst themselves. The majority of Americans are prepared to pay lip service to religious claims; few want another Thirty Years War.

[Fake Messiah]

Let's take the evolution of cooperation. Evolutionary scientist Martin Nowak has identified five rules to explain why humans are the champions of cooperation: from hunter-gatherer societies to nation-states, cooperation is the decisive organizing principle of human society.

The first rule of the “evolution of cooperation” is, as Nowak calls it, “kin selection”. As in J. B. S. Haldane’s famous comment, “I will jump into the river to save two brothers or eight cousins.” The connection we feel towards individuals from the close genes.

The next rule Nowak calls “direct reciprocity,” or “tit for tat.” You don’t even need to be human to feel motivated to help others because they can help you. Scientists watching humans playing games noticed that we tend toward some interesting variations on “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.”

The third is indirect reciprocity. Like when people tip waitresses they’ll never see again, or stop on a busy day to give passing stranger directions. We humans live our lives with the constant awareness that our behavior may be seen and evaluated by others, for better or for worse. Gossip and reputation may even have played a major role in how our brains developed.

Fourth is network reciprocity. Clusters of individuals bonding together and making an agreement to help one another without one individual expecting direct return from the next. Such groups, or “networks,” tend to be small enough that those who take and take without ever giving back can eventually be rooted out, leaving a situation in which people are accustomed to cooperating with one another and trusting each other.

Fifth is group selection. The idea that sometimes individuals may sacrifice their own personal success—even the chance to pass on their own genes—and yet still “win” if members of their group have success against members of other groups.

[onlinebiker]

Morals and god are indeed intertwined.

They were both created by humans....

I think I am starting to understand now. Humans created morality therefore it is a consequence of intelligence rather than evolution right?

Intelligence?

I suppose compared to a bucket of wallpaper paste.

[chiknsld]

I think I am starting to understand now. Humans created morality therefore it is a consequence of intelligence rather than evolution right?

Intelligence?

I suppose compared to a bucket of wallpaper paste.

[Pat Mustard]

It feels like many of you are trying to figure out what the last word will be. Have patience.

It’ll be *whispered* ‘Rosebud…’

Boru

It's been a while since I've seen it but I thought Rosebud was famous for being the first word.