Morality and Atheism

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the central argument regarding morality in the absence of God?

  • Morality is naturally inherent, requiring no external source for validation.
  • Morality becomes subjective, with individuals determining right and wrong. (correct)
  • Morality defaults to a Christian framework, regardless of personal belief.
  • Morality becomes objective and universally defined, ensuring societal harmony.

The argument suggests that, without a divine basis, morals:

  • remain consistent due to evolutionary programming.
  • are objectively determined through scientific reasoning.
  • are uniformly dictated by societal consensus.
  • become a matter of individual feeling and interpretation. (correct)

What is the counter-argument presented against the idea that empathy is uniquely human and divinely inspired?

  • Empathy is essential for all animal survival and social interaction.
  • Empathy is not observed in any animal species outside of humans.
  • Empathy is present in various social animal species, even without religious beliefs. (correct)
  • Empathy is an instinctual behavior exclusive to humans with religious backgrounds.

The argument asserts that the morals of the modern world are based on Christian morals. What is the counter-point to this claim?

<p>Morals originate from evolved, built-in behaviors found across cultures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of empathy in achieving a 'common goal'?

<p>Empathy is needed to achieve a common goal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The example of alligators and butterflies is presented to:

<p>argue against the idea of animals having empathy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The argument uses the claim of $X$ tears to dispute the claim of animal empathy. What is $X$?

<p>alligators' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'survival of the fittest' relate to the discussion of morality?

<p>It contrasts with morality, which often involves empathy and altruism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of animals defending each other, even outside of family bonds, in the context of the argument?

<p>It challenges the claim that behaviors are solely driven by survival instincts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the argument define empathy and its role in animal behavior?

<p>Empathy involves the understanding and sharing of feelings and thoughts, which animals lack. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between morals and feelings, according to the argument?

<p>Morals and feelings are distinct. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central claim about the subjective nature of morals in the absence of religion or a divine authority?

<p>Morals become a matter of personal choice, without external validation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential implication of subjective morals on individual behavior, according to the argument?

<p>Individuals can determine their own right and wrong, unrestricted. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If empathy is required for a community, is one of the following options true?

<p>Community building relies on some level of prosocial emotion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central claim made about morality in a religionless world?

<p>Morality in the bible originates from our built-in morals we evolved. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of a God, what primary concern arises regarding moral standards and guidelines?

<p>A difficulty in defining objective moral principles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that animals act on instinct, what conclusion is drawn about their capacity for empathy?

<p>They lack the cognitive ability for empathy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the argument describe the impact of religious influence on societal empathy and cooperative behavior?

<p>It reinforces inherent social behaviors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What foundational premise underlies the argument for morals becoming subjective in the absence of religion?

<p>There is no basis for moral standards without God. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of morals in the survival of the fittest?

<p>Morals go against what evolution is built around. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings and thoughts of another.

Subjective Morality

A principle suggesting that without a divine authority, moral standards are based on personal feelings and opinions.

Social Defense

A complex interaction within a group of animals where individuals defend each other, even those outside their immediate family.

Evolved Morality

Morals that come from inherent human characteristics and how becoming empathetic to one another made us defend each other, grow in power with numbers, and cooperate.

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Evolution

The theory suggesting that traits which enhance survival and reproduction become more common in a population over time.

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Community

A group of people in a shared location.

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Study Notes

  • Without a god, morals become subjective, leading to individual interpretations of right and wrong.
  • If there is no God there is no way to define morality.
  • Atheists often derive morals from Christianity, reflecting Christian morals' influence on the modern world.
  • Morals originate from evolved, built-in traits that promote cooperation and defense and are later reinforced through religious texts and cultural teachings.
  • Social animals, such as wolves, birds, and orcas, display empathy by defending others, even outside their immediate family.
  • Animals sometimes exhibit behaviors that seem empathetic, like whales protecting other animals from predators or monkeys comforting grieving companions, without religious guidance.
  • Morals contrast with evolution's "survival of the fittest" system.
  • Animals defend each other to ensure the species' survival and continuation, not out of love.
  • Empathy is understanding and sharing another's feelings and thoughts.
  • Animals operate on instinct, not thoughts, so they lack empathy.
  • Alligators tears are just being utilize, not an offer.

Empathy

  • Empathy is not need for a community to form, just a common goal is.
  • It is belived that humans have inner feelings.

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