Whenever I think about the origins of morality, the field of science never crosses my mind. I stopped going to church for a very long time (I started going back within the last 4 years), but when people asked me why I acted "good" or made altruistic decisions, I could only think "because it is the right thing to do." What makes it right or wrong? Where do we get this universal sense of goodness/badness in actions and what powers our decision making process?
In this chapter, Ward seeks to answer the same question that we have been tackling all semester. How does morality relate to religion? We all wonder where human beings gain their sense of morality. It could be tradition, religious practices, or sociological factors that contribute to our decision making process; we cannot actually define the source. What Ward confidently claims, though, is that morality is not based in biological factors or the sciences. He explains, the "sciences are concerned with how things are, and morality is concerned with how things ought to be" (197).
However, there is an upcoming theory that counters that claim, and it is called sociobiology, or evolutionary psychology. In 1975, E. O. Wilson published a book about his study of sociobiology in which he connected moral thought with genetic inheritance. He claimed that we believe and act the way we do because all other (negative) tendencies are wiped out in evolution. Altruism exists because the chances of DNA propagation and survival are higher when one acts towards the common good and is self-sacrificial. Ward thankfully turns this theory down. This scientist was drawing his beliefs out a little too far. There is really just no way our morals are genetically implanted in our DNA. It is possible that we "inherit" our sense of good and bad, but only because it is something that is taught at home.
*I will reiterate what I talked about last time though. Although morality is not based in science, it is required IN scientific practice!
So, is our sense of morality based in religion? What about those that do not believe in a higher power? At the beginning of the chapter, Ward talks about morality in the Semitic religions as well as with Eastern traditions. For the Eastern traditions, like Buddhism, for example, there really is no law and no Supreme Being to serve, but the goal is to realize that we do not own anything on this earth and pass beyond material desire until nirvana is reached. The unattachment from the material world helps one to act for the common good. There are no absolute commands, just natural moral precepts based on the human condition.
For Semitics, the focus in life is to serve the Divine Goodness, so actions are in accordance with religious law. As Christians, we do not use the laws dictated by God to Moses directly, but instead use Jesus' life as an example of how to live. Some may act "good" because they don't want the punishment that is promised otherwise. It is better, though, that we live for the ultimate good because eternal happiness is promised when one acts in accordance with God. Why not live in happiness to serve God when we are promised the best gift in return? We should still fear God, no doubt, but fear shouldn't consume our lives. Instead we should make decisions that promote our own happiness, as well as the general happiness of others, as a way to serve God and fulfill our covenant as human beings. It is easier to think about it this way than it is to think about the punishment we would receive if we were to transgress.
Ward does not really offer much concerning the morality of those that are atheist. He mainly just says that altruism resonates more with those that believe in a god than those that don't, but I think that atheists are still able to act towards the common good. They know what is right and wrong based on common societal values. Because most associate with a religion and act a certain way in society, it becomes a social norm to make decisions that promote the good of all. Morality, then, has a basis in religion and is reinforced by norms set up in society: at home, at school, etc. Moral behavior is contagious. If one is acting justly towards you, then it is right to return the kindness. Again, this takes root in the Bible and is practiced by most in society.
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