Morality 1: Good without gods

First in a series on morality

Link to Epley article:

http://www.pnas.org/content/early/200...

Article by the CDC concerning the effects of negative attitudes about homosexuality:

http://www.cdc.gov/msmhealth/stigma-a...

• Category

  Education

[Max Conley]

I see two problems. First off, how do you get past the first dilemma to decide that suffering is bad. In addition to this, when you talk about informed consensus, the issue of suffering is looked over. Even if there is no informed consensus, as long as that individual doesn't suffer i.e "ignorance bliss." This would then lead to a Brave New World type situation in which all suffering should morally be eliminated. However, God does not fix the problem of objective morality either; why is God good

[QualiaSoup]

"how do you... decide that suffering is bad."

I'm a little confused by your question, Max. Have you not already decided for yourself that at least some forms of suffering are bad? I note that you play the piano. If someone tied you down and started smashing your fingers with a hammer, would you have no objection?

[Sirustalcelion]

Interesting, although this stance on morality seems to not be egocentric enough, nor does it recognize other definitions of approaching morality. The quick gloss-over of the definition of morality really hurts the argument overall. It would be better at least to account for ancient and medieval philosophy, especially since the latter is the basis for a lot of what was said about the scientific approach to morality.

[QualiaSoup]

Firstly, this is part 1 of a series. Much of it is groundwork; there are reasons I've postponed certain material.

Also, accounting for the vast, sprawling body of ancient and medieval philosophy isn't within the scope of this video / series. Nor is it necessary to support what I've said here (which, by the way, isn't advocating a scientific approach to morality).

Lastly, you don't justify your opinion that my 'stance' isn't 'egocentric enough', or specify what about my 'argument' is 'hurt'.

[types10000]

"While I can decide that suffering is not pleasing or not good for my well-being, I don't see how I can figure that it is just bad period"

- well suffering is a word we have defined to mean 'something bad' it doesnt apply unless the subject(s) consider what is happening 'to be bad', so it is rooted in subjectivity.

[Sandeep Silwal]

Max is a preacher in our local church. These matters do trouble him deeply.

[Max Conley]

While I can decide that suffering is not pleasing or not good for my well-being, I don't see how I can figure that it is just bad period. Morality is not a natural law the same way that gravity is. Also, I would like to say that your video on the lack of belief in gods is one of my favorite videos on the subject. In fact, the calm, linear manner on which you go through every subject is something I find admirable.

[Sandeep Silwal]

cuz da bible says so bro...

[Rylyn Bernardo]

very helpful video, thank you. A transcript would be even better ;D

[valery tozer]

thank you, what he said ;)