Relatively Absolute

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Absolute morality is a very comfortable concept. It takes away the doubt and uncertainty that we face when we ask ourselves, "Am I doing the right thing?"
Simply knowing that there is an absolute morality (for theists, given by the supreme moral authority, God) is comfortable because even though we fail to live up to this code, we know that the moral code itself is reliable.
What a sham. I present the case that moral absolutism is really just a more assertive instance of moral relativism ("Our morality is The One True Morality"), and is a mere placebo for those wish to avoid (what they see as) endless, dreadful doubting.

The audio is a bit off for the first part, sorry about that.

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Category:

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Tags:

• albert10110
• albert
• relative
• absolute
• morality
• religion
• morals
• values
• god

[walry008]

You do have a belief because you believe there is no God! how do you think you were created. having a belief in a God does not mean we have 2 prove we are good people or that others are wrong and we are right! u said shouldnt believe that murder is worng do you believe that it is relative, i think murder is murder. life is full of absolutes, lying, stealing, murder and many others are wrong not because God says it but because it is wrong thats why we have a concious, and these thing hurt people.

[Albert10110]

walry008: But life is also full of circumstances that you have to take into consideration. Murder is wrong. But what about the following: self-defense, the death penalty, war, eating meat, euthanasia, putting pets to sleep, abortion, accidental murder, murder committed by children.

It is oversimplifying to put ALL these things in the same category, but this what people who say "morality is absolute" are often actually doing.

[sciencefailsoften]

you started out talking about how atheists are moral, yet you somehow turned the response into a complete attack on religion... instead of outlining your own view of morality and ethics

[Albert10110]

sciencefailsoften: Yes, I criticize religion's claim to an absolute morality that is asserts itself as beyond testable and true on faith.

I'm open to any counterargument you can present against anything I said in this video.

[AzmodanKijur]

Awesome video. And on a point that I have argued many times with many people - as have all atheists I am sure. I argue for the relativity of and the collaborative, collectivist nature of morality. Our morals are taught while young, imparted by parents and honed by society. In this manner, they are the concensus of our society on how members should act.

Your take is refreshing and nicely put and has caused me to press that yellow button in the description bar marked "Subscribe". Thanks! :)

[shookings]

But I love stabbing kittens...

[kingbooforums]

@walry008 Why do you spell like shit? why? Why can't your god make you spell properly?

[TheFightingRebel]

@Canbuhay "atheist morality hinges on evolution" No, morals come from family, friends, the way we were raised, and among other things. "The bible says murder is wrong" Well,, but also says to kill homo's and atheists by stoning. Do not eat any sea food without scales and that it's ok to fuck your wife's sister. Oh and incest is the best way to go. Oh and if you rape a woman you can buy her. Don't forget it also tells us how much slaves are worth. What would we do without it!?

[Canbuhay]

@Albert10110 The Christian bible says murder is wrong not that killing people is wrong. Murder is the illegal killing of innocents. You are welcome to criticize the bible, it's big enough to face criticism but if you are going to attack it, then please get simple facts right.

BTW, how do you know that we can't know anything absolutely? And do you know that absolutely? Atheist morality hinges on evolution which by definition cannot be absolute. That means you have no reason to correct theists.

[rroyer3]

I like your shirt

[gsco82]

I think that you have made the point that there is no absolute morality. There is a biological basis for morality, the adaptive value of altruistic behavior. Thanks for your opinions.

[supravista]

to rephrase the question posed to you

Why is it hypocritical to say something is either tolerable or intoleratable based on the what the local culture is or what the current century? Is that not what moral relativism is by definition?

[supravista]

Al, could you please explain the following quote this video:

"Moral relativism in its extreme, stereotypical sense is a cop out. Saying something is either tolerable or intoleratable based on the what the local culture is or what the current century is is the just simple hypocracy."

My friend responded by saying:

"How is moral relativism a hypocrisy? What is backing this claim? It's just a denial of objective morality and it seems to be pretty consistent with that belief."

[jgammons007]

Some of you are so stupid!

The disbelief of God is not a believe system. i don't believe in Rambo. Is that a religion. It's like saying anything one knows or thinks is fiction is in it's self a belief system. Wow I have so many religions. It's so sad that some people cannot think around religion.

[BranchintheVine]

So, Albert, there are no absolute absolutes! So if you go into a shop and purchase an item costing 60 cents, and give the shopkeeeper a dollar, and he gives you only 10 cents change, you could have no moral objection to that? After all, his belief that that there are 70 cents in the dollar is just as valid as your belief that there are 100 cents. Neither can be 'absolutely' correct!

Truth is absolute, regardless of what you or I or anyone else or even "critical reasoning" say it is!

[Phantasmzero]

You're a smart athiest. I respect your opinion. If you can speak to what your companions in disbelief do, would you answer my questions.

Why do athiest choose to tackle the dumbest creationist arguements from non scientific or philosophic opposition?

What is the point in lumping creationist philosophy with religious doctrine? Are you saying the two can not be mutually exclusive?

Why is it religion is the cause of malicious behaviour and not the imperfect evolving human condition?