Could I as an atheist come up with a moral/ethical code that other atheists would agree is good for all of us?

Question

If I said the following was to be part of my moral ethical code, would you as an atheist agree it is in your moral ethical code, and in saying you agree would it become our shared moral ethical code,

1. Don't murder.

2. Don't rape.

3. Tell the truth.

What other things would we be able to agree on and put in our moral ethical code as atheists?

Answer 1

Very critical...good for all of us? I am hesitant to agree to your code, as it may be best for one of us to break it at some point. Fairness and justice are intrinsic concepts to most people, and they are not the domain or invention of religion, but they are still not real. An ethical code is imaginary and is the seed of a religion. A responsible individual should consider murder, rape, and lying as viable actions in a given situation, and then choose action based on desired outcome. That is responsibility.

Answer 2

The Golden rule of ethics appears in all religions, and atheists adhere to it too: Treat others as you would treat yourselves.

However, it's when you get into finer details that things get problematic because you can never write a book of ethical codes that everyone will agree to. It's not that people want to be unethical. The problem is that sometimes it is not clear what is right thing to do.

No. 3 in your list, for example - tell the truth - as noble as it sounds, it is impossible to always tell the truth. In fact, most of us are deceiptful when we are in public. We hold back our true sentiments - not because we are malicious, but rather the opposite - because we do not wish to offend others or hurt someone's feelings. Did you ever see "Liar liar?"

Don't let this stop you, though. I still think you should try and come up with your own code of ethics. If nothing else, it will be a good exercise.

Answer 3

Moral and ethical codes change. If you look at history and sociology there are no universal norms. Even murder cannot universally by accepted as wrong.

Also does a ethical and moral code only apply to you? If you see someone else breaking this code, what is your reaction? If someone is murdering or raping what do you do? What if it is in another country with a different moral code then yours?

Answer 4

I'm afraid not. Under the right circumstances, I would probably do anything.

Ethics are not absolute dictums, they are merely guidelines to follow for ordinary circumstances. Having such guidelines saves you a tremendous amount of time and effort, but ethics don't apply in unusual circumstances.

If someone raped my child, I would murder them in cold blood. There are numerous circumstances where a lie makes more sense than the truth, but most of the time the truth is a good policy to follow. Behavior is situational. I'm not going to suffer serious consequences because of some ideal.

Answer 5

You must first decide what the highest value is. Then the ethical code will follow suit.

For example a tree hugger places trees above all, thus humans come at minimum, second, and can be sacrificed for a tree.

What value can we all agree on? Each individual human life could be the highest value, thus none could be sacrificed morally.

And to each life full ownership of that life and what that life produces.

Answer 6

Don't steal. Don't lie. Don't take your friend's wife. Wow, this is starting to sound like the Ten Commandments. Wonder why that is? Maybe it's because it's at the heart of humanity. We value life, we value our possessions, we value innocence, we value truth. And if we all agreed upon it, then yes, I believe that would make it our shared moral ethical code. Come on, Jim, use your brain.

Answer 7

Yes I am sure that you could come up with a moral/ethical code that would be good for all. You would then have to enforce it as the code would be broken. At that point you have law etc etc etc

Answer 8

Strangely enough, the Ten Commandments could be applied to atheists too. These rules are pretty much the moral guidelines of our society. I mean, as long as you follow the law, and do good deeds to help your fellow man, it's all cool.

Answer 9

Sounds interesting, but there is no inherent reason for people to follow the code. If someone can cheat and get away with it, he will.

Answer 10

OF COURSE, you have a free-will.
I have always said that if there could be two groups of people on this EARTH only, it should be Children of GOD, and this other group of Religious people who aren't SAVED, cause(I won't name them) they REALLY TRY to live a good life and not do any harm. If that ever happened, the only people fighting and cutting-up after that would probably be the Children of GOD!!! hahahahaha!!!!!! ditto!!!!