It has been put forth by Creationists that one of the driving force for the existence of a god is the existence and nature of morality. My first response to this line of arguement is to re-examine the driving force of morality, as in why the need for morality arises?
However, let's begin with this important question - What is morality? Referring to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, it refers to a code of conduct put forth by a society or a religious group or normatively refer to a code of conduct would be put forward by rational persons under specific conditions.
The agglomeration of individuals in societies can be argued as the driving force for the need for morality. Simply put, in order for society to function and for its members to thrive, there is a need for the latter to abide by a certain code of conduct so that his/her fellow members will benefit or will be free from harm. Take for instance the traffic code of conduct whereby drivers are exhorted to drive safely by keeping within speed limits. Clearly, the safety of the other members of the society is likely to be preserved if such a code of conduct is in place.
The arising of civil societies is seen as the apex in evolution of a society. There is a paradigm shift away from a more individualistic outlook to a more socially conscious perspective in as far as members are concerned. Thus, going by the London School of Economics definition of civil societies, a civil society is one which revolves around shared interests and values, whereby collective action is taken.
In essence, the society is seen as the driving force of morality for the simple reason that morality is seen as the means to the society's end (good).
Citations
1) The Definition of Morality. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/morality-definition/
2) Definition of Civil Society. London School of Economics
http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/CCS/what_is_civil_society.htm
However, let's begin with this important question - What is morality? Referring to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, it refers to a code of conduct put forth by a society or a religious group or normatively refer to a code of conduct would be put forward by rational persons under specific conditions.
The agglomeration of individuals in societies can be argued as the driving force for the need for morality. Simply put, in order for society to function and for its members to thrive, there is a need for the latter to abide by a certain code of conduct so that his/her fellow members will benefit or will be free from harm. Take for instance the traffic code of conduct whereby drivers are exhorted to drive safely by keeping within speed limits. Clearly, the safety of the other members of the society is likely to be preserved if such a code of conduct is in place.
The arising of civil societies is seen as the apex in evolution of a society. There is a paradigm shift away from a more individualistic outlook to a more socially conscious perspective in as far as members are concerned. Thus, going by the London School of Economics definition of civil societies, a civil society is one which revolves around shared interests and values, whereby collective action is taken.
In essence, the society is seen as the driving force of morality for the simple reason that morality is seen as the means to the society's end (good).
Citations
1) The Definition of Morality. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/morality-definition/
2) Definition of Civil Society. London School of Economics
http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/CCS/what_is_civil_society.htm
1 comment:
Good words.
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