Atheists please help me?

Question

I am unwilling to believe in a world without right and wrong.
I would like an ethical system that is rational and not in any way faith or fear based, and clearly defines right and wrong.

I want to abandon this faith in 'intrinsic good'.

It might be more clearly stated here:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ap2ULW9ZXxofcigkWQLnkETsy6IX?qid=20060710232729AA2o4wd

Sorry if this isn't the right section, it's where all the atheists seem to be.

Wanna balloon:
You are just making this harder.

The problem is that if I don't pre-configure a format for behavior, then I end up using the old faith-based system, which, while ``adequate´´ for keeping me generally out of the clutches of the law, isn't reasoned.

So that is my question for you: What is a reasoned set of ethics?

Answer 1

Just read and read a lot, so you can learn about others' reasoning and how they arrive at their conclusions. Learn a little bit about how the human mind works and why people believe what they believe, and why people do what they do. Read about logic and learn how to make solid arguments. But you don't need someone to tell you what's right and wrong. Develop your own logic and reasoning and think through it for yourself. You don't need a prefabricated code of ethics, just come up with your own rules that are justified through logic and reason. If you wanted something external from yourself to dictate what is right and wrong, you'd find a religion, right? Well, morality and ethics are not something you can buy as a packaged set at the store. Work through issues that are important to you on your own and rely on yourself.

Answer 2

I'm glad you posted this.

The fact is that the "old faith-based system" is not actually faith-based. Morality does not "come from god," but is rather a natural set of behaviors that allows people to live together in a group. Not killing, not stealing, these are things that people were doing before someone codified "morality" and set it in scripture.

"Right" and "wrong" are not defined by what some god wants, but rather by what people want. The easiest test to put a question of behavior to is: Would I want to be on the receiving end of this? If the answer is "no," it is likely "wrong." We use empathy and sympathy to determine which is the proper course of action. We don't steal from others not because it's what "god wants," or out of fear of "hell," but rather because we recognize that it would hurt the other person and we do not want to hurt anyone.

The idea that morality cannot exist without god is simply propaganda.

Answer 3

Regardless of religion/faith, all cultures have based their system of rules on self-preservation. No-one really needed the basic rules supposedly given to Moses. Not killing other people in your tribe generally means the survival of your tribe. Not inbreeding with your children means the genetic pool remains strong. Not stealing promotes harmony in the group, and avoiding confrontation reduces the likelihood of in-fighting.

Note that these rules do not prevent self-defense, nor do they prohibit attacks against your enemies. These exceptions have been built into most religious belief systems over time through necessity. The Christian church, which promotes the ten commandments, including the unequivocal "thou shalt not kill" has managed to find room for exceptions such as war and the execution of criminals.

A god or gods are not necessary to the good order of a community; self-preservation and self-interest are the real motivators.

Faith or belief is not necessary for a society to determine their norms that govern activity.

Answer 4

Check out Ethics, its a system invented by the greeks based on right behavior or theory of living

Answer 5

This world has much more than humans. It's a 4.5 billion years old world, on which life happened to arise. So it's not a "good" vs "evil" world. It's more a 0 vs 1, a question of chance and choice. Evolution takes care of itself, regardless of "rights" or "wrongs".

Is it right or wrong to raise cattle? We live off it but pasture lands are claiming forested areas.

Is it right or wrong to kill? We're NOT supposed to do it, but won't hesitate when we face our own demise.

Is it right or wrong to use cars? Cars pollute but ambulances save lives.

Things happen for a number of reasons, but these reasons get to be so many, that the truth behind facts is many times blurry.

Read more Darwin and lay off religious sectarian literature, which keeps you from reasoning.

Answer 6

I am buddhist but I support any beliefs or systems that encourages people to live well, for the overall good of people. You can live by the Golden Rule, "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you." Don't hurt anyone, and if you hurt someone, make it right. You should do right not because of a fear of punishment or exposure but because the reward is the conduct itself.

Answer 7

Read Ayn Rand's "Philosophy: Who Needs It?" as a part of your exploration.

* I guess the above posting about Ayn Rand's works was posted as I typed mine. Anyway, I think it would be well worth your time to read these. In my recommendation, I know that Ms. Rand eloquently addresses the matters in your question. I believe you'd enjoy the read.

Answer 8

I'm sure if you thought to yourself about what you think, you could come to the conclusions yourself. You don't need someone or something to tell you what is right or wrong, you can see it for yourself. That's what I do. Just look at what causes suffering, and what helps people. I'm sure you'll come to the right decision.

Answer 9

Follow the US Constitution and you'll be in good shape.

No faith required.

Answer 10

Atheism is not synonymous with being unethical, just like Christianity is not the equivalent of being charitable….use the force!