Morals without God - A Secular System of Ethics

Morals without God - A Secular System of Ethics
Ian Bryce Secular Party Ethics teacher

A Secular System of Ethics
Can we have morals without a god? We will try to construct a system of ethics based instead on scientific principles and reason.

What to practice? Examples of ethics
Golden Rule - do unto others… Allow rape of daughters Slay heretics Love and respect all beings Torture the innocent in order to forgive the guilty Help others in your family Be nice to others in your pack Attack anyone outside your tribe

Why practice it? Examples of reasons given
Because the Chief said Because God said Because its written in our Holy book Because the priest said Its good to be good (Kant) Duty for Duty’s sake For my own benefit (reciprocity) For reward in the Afterlife Survival value The Altruistic gene Family benefit To make society function To avoid jail It feels good

Chronology Dark Ages 300 AD-1500 AD The Church was in charge.
Witchcraft, drownings, Inquisition

Cartoon

The Enlightenment The Age of Enlightenment (or simply the Enlightenment or Age of Reason) was an elite cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century Europe that sought to mobilize the power of reason in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted intellectual interchange and opposed intolerance and abuses in Church and state.

Chronology THE ADVANCE OF SCIENCE
Galileo - described planetary orbits (earth no longer at the center) Newton - gravity, laws of motion Lavoisier - chemistry Ampere - electric current Darwin attributed species to nature not a deity THE ENLIGHTENMENT The advance of Reason in human affairs Spinoza criticized the Bible, the mind is the body John Locke consciousness, monetarism, knowledge is gained through perception Didero Newton Voltaire Benjamin Franklin Thomas Jefferson

Classical philosophers contributing to secular ethics
David Hume Immanual Kant John Stuart Mill 1861 Friedrich Nietzsche 1887 George Holyoake 1896 Bertrand Russell 1927 Ludwig Wittgenstein ?

Classical contributors to secular ethics
David Hume 1743 “A Treatise on Human Nature” Ethical questions are subjective, unlike matters of fact Hence, Reward & punishment - only to change future behavior

John Stuart Mill (and his father James Mill, and Jeremy Bentham) 1861 “Utilitarianism” Use experience not intuition Greatest happiness principle: Actions are “right” of they promote happiness “Wrong” of they promote pain Happiness of everyone, not just the doer - “nobleness”

Friedrich Nietzsche 1887 On the Genealogy of Morality Rejected Christianity - “God is dead”

George Holyoake 1896 “English Secularism” Work for this life (not an afterlife) Uses material means and science It is good to do good

Bertrand Russell 1927 “Why I am not a Christian” • Religion …is the enemy of moral progress in the world • Promoted science and reason • A good world needs knowledge, kindliness, and courage • Political activist - Anti-war stance • Sexual freedoms

Modern secular ethicists (or contributors)
Peter Singer Richard Dawkins Michael Shermer 1991 Christopher Hitchens 2007 Michel Onfray Tenzin Gyatso ~2000

Modern secular ethicists
Peter Singer 1977 Animal Liberation The Expanding Circle Utilitarianism Ethical reasoning since primitive times Large perspective: equal concern for all human beings We should bear a small pain to relieve another’s large pain Thus, are Americans immoral? Greater happiness through sharing

Christopher Hitchens 2007 “God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything” Religion misrepresents the origins of humankind and the cosmos Religion demands unreasonable suppression of human nature Religion inclines people to violence and blind submission to authority Religion expresses hostility to free inquiry

Ayaan Hirsi Ali 2007 “Infidel: my life” Recounts her story as a Moslem woman Has suffered all the indignities including genital mutilation and forced marriage. She blames Moslems who refer to the marriage of the prophet Mohammad to a girl of nine to justify these things (even in Melbourne). And the West has failed to speak out.

Tenzin Gyatso ~2000 many speeches If science proves religion to be wrong, then religion must change. Progress in research, especially in the life sciences, needs to be directed by 'secular ethics': ethical principals that transcend religious barriers and are common to everyone. Who?

Tenzin Gyatso ~2000 many speeches “If science proves Buddhism to be wrong, then religion must change.” “Progress in research, especially in the life sciences, needs to be directed by 'secular ethics': ethical principals that transcend religious barriers and are common to everyone.” 14th Dalai Lama Leader of Tibetan Buddhism Popular leader of Tibet

Facts - Religion See Table - broad Highlighted comparisons:
Sacred texts Prophet-founder Gods Beliefs Chosen race Thus, a comparative analysis establishes, on many different bases, and beyond any doubt, that of any 100 religions or sects, no two can be true. 99 of them are wrong or 100 are wrong.

More Facts - Religion Scientific evidence discounts intervention by any supernatural being All thorough tests of prayer show zero effect The biblical miracles are impossible, according to the laws of physics, which have held since the Big Bang Most religions have a known (and very human) origin. The holy books, prophets and miracles are clearly designed to give power to a particular sect. This does nothing to trouble the believers. Christianity - basis: Ancient Sin - Adam, Eve, nakedness, hence the crucifixion.

Morality of the religions
Much of human folklore and legends convey moral principles and altruism Many have been incorporated into religion, such as the Parables of the Old and New Testaments Good and bad instructions have become mixed Eg Thou shalt not steal, but you should slaughter any nonbelievers.

The teachings of churches vary through history, according to the whims of the person in power, eg Henry 8th. The instructions for extreme cruelty have been used to justify most wars, genocide, inquisitions etc in history. Religious leaders hold up their sacred texts as their moral authority - yet they are full of immoral instructions

Religious leaders themselves have a long history of using prostitutes, child sex, abusing boys etc Those instructions and actions of the churches which are sound, clearly do not come from their holy books Hence are available to secular thinkers too

Religious leaders of most creeds have a consistent history of oppressing minorities, eg the unmarried, the unhappily married, the pregnant, gays, and particularly women It is virtually impossible to improve this - can’t argue with their authority

How can belief systems which are both false and harmful be propagated for thousands of years? Passed down by fathers and clerics To those most vulnerable - to children, who are programmed to accept all they are taught. By the time they reach outside the family, it is too late - others seem like aliens Need to break the cycle - stop lying to the children

Disagreements and science
Unlike religions, science offers a path to resolving disagreements. Both parties are asked to present their evidence or analysis (for example the experiments they are relying on). These tests can then be examined and repeated by others. The methods and results are visible to all parties, so eventually a consensus will be achieved. When these principles are applied to a conflict, there is a path towards resolution.

Enlightenment through science
Cosmology has revealed the origins of the universe The first generation of stars - making heavy elements (of which we are now made) The gas clouds condensing into new stars and planets The solar system clearing of dust, the earth accumulating water and gases

Physics has shown we live in a material world No evidence of a supernatural or spiritual realm, hence no theoretical basis for religions There is apparently no way a supernatural being could influence the universe - the four known forces account for all phenomena, no “gaps” for spooks At least in our domain - might be different at extreme energies and gravity in black holes etc Hence physics strongly rules out the gods claimed by religions

Biology has shown us how life works, and reproduced using DNA Evolution shows we are descended from common ancestors with other primates Our sharing DNA with all life on earth, and the relatively insignificant differences between races and minority groups, is a powerful source of respect and harmony.

Origin of morals The Evolution cycle: Heredity, Random variation, Survival value Genes (packages of DNA) & memes (ideas) Reciprocity - altruistic gene

Origin of morals - How to enforce?
Chief of tribe Rules, laws Stab in back? Need a higher authority Powerful, invisible friend Prophet, holy book - religion Kings, rules, laws Favor those who agree, convert or murder those who don’t

So ethics, morals, religions etc are inventions of man
We are free to invent our own!

Neuroscience has shown us that the mind is what the brain does. Thinking is patterns of electro-chemical activity. The human mind has no extension in space outside the brain - astral travel is out. The human mind has no extension in time outside the brain - no previous lives or afterlife.

Our Core paradigm for ethics: The welfare of sentient beings
Our basis for ethics is: Respect for sentient beings. Because they are aware, or conscious, and capable of experiencing pleasure and pain Their welfare is important to us.

Utilitarianism How to maximize the welfare of sentient beings?
We know (because we experience it) that we humans (and animals) are self aware and conscious And thus capable of feeling pain, sorrow, joy, love, appreciation of nature etc. Our lives also rely on many social structures, such as: learning from the responses of others to our actions, establishing friendships where helpful actions are likely to be repaid, making plans for the future, enjoying success, and regretting failure. These capabilities add to our pleasure and pain, and hence to the value we place on life.

Application to specific issues
Animals Aliens Religious education Enlightened education Contraception and abortion Right to die Euthanasia Family Minorities Behavior Law and courts Environment Population growth

Animals More primitive creatures with simpler brains probably experience such consciousness and social structures also – to a lesser degree. Thus, their feelings also deserve respect – but to a lesser degree than humans. A dog is worth less consideration than a human, a mouse less again, a worm less still, and so on. Thus, animals are deserve our respect, to varying degrees. But to a lesser degree than humans.

Aliens #1 If we meet (or talk to) aliens? What would the churches do? Scan the sacred texts, conclude that they were heretics, infidels, atheists etc, and try to convert or exterminate them. What would we do? Observe that they are sentient, so we would respect them (treat them well).

Aliens #2 BUT the aliens will have vastly superior technology… If THEY are religious…scan their sacred text, do humans believe in the Flying Dog Poo God? NO? Convert or exterminate! Let us hope the aliens practise secular ethics! Life on Mars…

Religious Education Religion and hatred propagated by indoctrinating children When most vulnerable. Clear chain of events to: False beliefs about origins Supernatural beings Hatred of other races Them indoctrinating next generation. We believe children have the right not to be lied to, in matters of origins and deities Many forms of child abuse are outlawed already This would impact parental behavior and “faith schools”.

Religious Education Telling parents what they can tell their children would be very difficult. Even ABC’s Rachael Kohn says parents should have the right to “bring up their children in their faith”. Does that include “inculcating hatred in other creeds”? Meanwhile, a less ambitious plan: Enlightened education

Enlightened Education Step 1: Teach “Comparative religion” in all schools Step 2: Teach “Origins” in schools Step 3: Teach “Universal Ethics” in schools

Enlightened Education Step 1: teach “Comparative religion” in all schools Teaches all the variety of sacred texts, prophets, gods and beliefs around the world (see the big Table) Will dilute the dogma from home, church and ethnic enclaves in Australia.

Enlightened Education Step 2: Teach “Origins” in schools The basic tool in an enlightened education is to teach children the real origins of the world, of life, and of humans. They will gain a wonder at the natural environment, and a desire to preserve the ecosystems. They will also gain appreciation and acceptance of the variety of peoples surrounding them.

Enlightened Education Step 3: Teach “Universal Ethics” in schools Secular ethics, as suggested by this material should be taught in schools – universal human values - based on respect for all sentient beings (humans and animals).

Contraception and Abortion A woman should be in charge of her own body She can choose whether or not to reproduce. The mother’s rights come first. A foetus also has some rights, which slowly increase as it develops. Thus both mother and baby have rights, which need to be considered. Most assuredly, no religious figure has the right to dictate what she does.

Sentience Chart

Right to Die Any person has the right to choose whether to live or to die. We would support the right of people of sound mind to plan for their future, anticipating that they might for example become senile (known as a living will). The stigma on suicide imposed by the Catholic Church, which causes much pointless distress, must be overcome.

Euthanasia If a person has no quality of life, and no prospect of improvement, then termination should be allowed. As long as it is in accordance with their wishes, and those of relatives, friends and doctors. Note: The actual policies may vary depending on inputs and analysis. What we are specifying is the methodology.

Family Society and government should support all kinds of family arrangements, including: traditional families, individuals, couples, sole parents, and any relationship involving mutual support.

Minorities Gays – Our freedoms should not be limited by choice of sexuality. There should be no stigma or laws restricting gays. Discrimination – no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, sexuality, religion etc. The marginalized - We should not judge unfairly those who have become marginalised in society - drug users, criminals, mentally ill. We should assist and rehabilitate them.

The origins of Behaviour The physical influences on our behavior can broadly be split into nature and nurture, and include: • Our parents’ two genetic codes • Random selection from our parents’ codes • Randomness in the laying down of the growing brain • Nourishment from the mother • The environment while in the womb • Any diseases in the womb or in life • All environmental influences during child and adult life • All behavioural influences during child and adult life (i.e. the behaviour of others). Thus, we need to respect al of these factors.

The Law and Courts We identify specific objectives of the legal system: 1) To physically prevent the offender causing further harm (jail etc) 2) To improve the behavior of that person (eg rehabilitation, jail, fines, corporal punishment) 3) To act as a visible deterrent to others (length of jail term, death penalty). The current legal system in most democracies effectively addresses these objectives in most cases. BUT……

The Law and Courts However, these principles will allow a systematic approach, and remove some inequities: • In terms of the Utilitarian principle, identify the affected parties. • Describe the harm to each (a bystander being offended by seeing and act would rank lower than the welfare of the participants.) • This will provide guidance on the relative seriousness of the matter. • List the range of available options for the penalty. • How do they rank, in terms of the three objectives? • How do they rank, in terms of the cost to society?

Environment We recognize that humans are one of many species with a right to exist on earth. Further, the fate of humans depends critically on a healthy environment, including supplies of fresh air, water and soil. This is a challenge to the views of Bjorn Lomborg, who in his book “The Skeptical Environmentalist” looked only at the wellbeing of one species. His economic rather than scientific credentials led him to conclude that by his measures, humans are better off then ever, and the planet is in fine condition.

Environment Our scientific approach tells a different story: The earth is rapidly warming, as a result of human activity. If we do nothing, catastrophe will engulf the ecosystems and the human race in around years. Even if we sharply kerb greenhouse emissions, the consequences will be severe. Third world countries expect, and are moving towards, the Western living standard. Thus if we maintain our extravagant lifestyles, emissions will blow out. Australia needs to cut down, even if we are a small player on the global scale.

Environment John Howard’s glacial pace of action on climate avoids timely action. Will lead to disaster. His (and others’) lack of action has already condemned our main Reef and River. He is the disease, pretending to be the doctor.

Environment To achieve reductions, we need to urgently adopt all possible measures, which probably include: • Reduce per capita energy usage • Limit the population • Expand research into renewables • Improve the efficiency of coal and oil usage • Increasing renewable methanol into petrol • Introduce/expand nuclear energy • Place a real tax on all carbon (not just derivatives trading)

Population Growth The greatest threat to the planet is very clear - population growth. All measures to improve efficiency can only delay the inevitable - if we allow continued exponential growth. For example - 60% reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2050 if we are to limit the CO2 to 0.5% (and severe climate changes). If we retain constant population - that’s a 60% cut per person - very difficult. If we continue to grow at the present rate, our population will double by then, so we need an 80% cut per person! Impossible. And 30 years later, double again. Need a 90% cut!

Summary Thus we have seen how secular principles can be applied to specific areas of social welfare and custodianship of the planet.

Next To read more about secular ethics: www.secular.org.au
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Morals without God - A Secular System of Ethics

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