Philosophy - December 2007

A significant number of people point to evolution as the source of morality. Here is a representative statement:

"There is a strong desire to help when we see someone in need. This desire has been developed in our brains over millions of years of evolution. This desire to help is the basis of morality."

My question is this. We know that mindless evolution doesn't "care" about the individual, only about gene survival. Evolution has created this desire to help thus sometimes sacrificing our own self interest. Shouldn't I put this desire to help to a rational test? Why ought I to allow myself to be pushed around by this irrational, evolution-designed desire? BTW, I think most people do put their initial desire to help to a rational test. And if we place a rational test on the desire, then that desire is no longer the standard. The real standard is self-interest.

2007-12-17 22:39:36 · 3 answers · asked by Matthew T 7

2007-12-17 22:34:15 · 3 answers · asked by desichick247 1

its driving me insaine ! i cant control it ! i even dream about lions and guns ! !!!!

I will choose a best answer !

2007-12-17 22:22:00 · 13 answers · asked by ? 2

that would seem to me to be the ultimate freedom~

2007-12-17 22:12:58 · 11 answers · asked by Alex 2

2007-12-17 21:45:11 · 7 answers · asked by yen ricing 1

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have a great day!

2007-12-17 21:04:52 · 33 answers · asked by Third P 6

Do you tend to stay with what's safe & familiar or take a risk and go out on a limb...?

It can be a little scary but very rewarding...

It's all new to me but I'm going to dare to put myself out there...

I've changed my avatar (from the little red-haired cartoon version of me to a real photo), did a 360 page and I'll be posting my music soon on myspace, artwork on ebay etc...and maybe I'll check out this facebook everyone's been talking about...

Finally entering the 21st century...tee hee...

Goodnight...
:)

2007-12-17 20:58:38 · 15 answers · asked by amp 6

2007-12-17 20:55:42 · 7 answers · asked by kelleygaither2000 1

Why is it that when you get success in life or you are getting the chance to make something big in life, there are people who just can't see you rising or achieving so much success. They could be ready to go for black magic to dump the person concerned. Why can't it just be that everyone smiles at your success instead of finding opportunities to backbite you...Why!!!

2007-12-17 19:35:30 · 10 answers · asked by World Vision 4

2007-12-17 19:10:46 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous

make sure the rest of life is happy, healthy & comfortable.

2007-12-17 18:56:21 · 19 answers · asked by hot sexy lips 5

2007-12-17 18:43:10 · 13 answers · asked by unjustmisfit 2

2007-12-17 18:26:27 · 8 answers · asked by Ste Bone 5

2007-12-17 17:51:30 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous

To where?

2007-12-17 17:29:01 · 21 answers · asked by Bluebootz 5

in a reasonable "heat of passion" or it is a killing caused by dangerous conduct and the offender's obvious lack of concern for human life.

2007-12-17 17:10:30 · 5 answers · asked by carol h 1

I have a huge exam tomorrow. How can I give it my all? How can I be confident when taking an exam? Should I stay up all night studying things that I haven't studied or get some rest?

2007-12-17 17:07:35 · 4 answers · asked by >mjd 1

2007-12-17 16:44:33 · 7 answers · asked by I love you too! 6

I read long ago that Einstein liked Spinoza's "god." I'm curious to know more about this. Can anyone suggest a good place to begin?

2007-12-17 16:28:55 · 3 answers · asked by Steve H 5

Who is talking? the lover or "love" itself? What I mean is, is it the lover who is not promising the rose garden or is it love who is not promising the rose garden? or neither? :-)

2007-12-17 16:26:28 · 3 answers · asked by me2 3

what do you know about Him? Have you ever heard anything about Him?

2007-12-17 16:15:51 · 9 answers · asked by SA. 1

2007-12-17 16:06:44 · 82 answers · asked by pikachu 1

How do you know when you are happy? Can someone be sad and happy at the same time? Can they be angr and happy at the same time?

2007-12-17 15:45:14 · 15 answers · asked by Calvin James Hammer 6

I am not suggesting one permits abuse...
But is it healthy to love the abuser?

2007-12-17 15:35:11 · 22 answers · asked by LUCKY3 6

hurt do you agree??

2007-12-17 15:31:16 · 12 answers · asked by Rita 6

I read somewhere in the secret that they both have the same definition and they both listen to every single thought.
It seems like they're the same except god can think and judge people, and the universe is just inanimate.

2007-12-17 15:21:14 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous

if you were given eternity and immortality to count them?

2007-12-17 15:02:40 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-12-17 14:55:13 · 34 answers · asked by enki 4

what does this mean?

2007-12-17 14:18:32 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous

What persuasive arguments does John Locke make that might counter the claim that his idea of government to protect "rights" is just another ideology?

2007-12-17 14:08:15 · 1 answers · asked by bill c 1