I just received the following in an answer: "god cannot be seen and there is no connection to him except mentally". Seems to me a system of ethics fits that description just as well.
Can you provide verifiable proof that you believe in your system of ethics (whatever it might be)?
Or, to be an atheist, must you not have any belief in something intangible such as ethics?
2006-10-24 00:52:23 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Although there is some truth to your statement, there are some important differences between moral beliefs and religous convictions: morals, we all agree are determined by matters of opionion, the general consensus usually prevailing in a given society. With religion, or the the notion of a god, consensus has no bearing, its black or white, believe or suffer for eternity.
2006-10-24 01:13:50 · answer #1 · answered by Eureka! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By Your Own Question One Is A System The Other A Belief.
In This Case A System Being A Set Rules To Govern A Behavior (Ethics) Everyone Has A Different Set Of Rules. In Most Cases The Rules Conincide With The Commandments. 10 Rules To Live By, Dont Cheat, Steal, Lie or Kill (Summed Up)
Religous Beliefs Tend To Be At Conflict With The Above Rules Of Ethics As In Holy Wars, Killing In The Name Of God (Yes I Mentioned So Sue Me), Demanding Blind Faith At All Costs.
Thats My View Anyways
2006-10-24 01:03:27 · answer #2 · answered by TRAXIC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I get my morals from the fact that I know what pain feels like. I also acknowledge that others feel pain. An act is immoral if it is intended to increase the amount of pain in the world. An act is moral if it is intended to lessen the amount of pain in the world.
I base my ethics off of tangible evidence. The proof that I believe in my system of ethics can only be had if you observe my actions.
This does not work out the same for god(s). I am offering a test that could disprove my adherence to my system of ethics. No believer seems to want to offer any tests that would prove to them that there is no god.
2006-10-24 01:07:44 · answer #3 · answered by AiW 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some codes that are just natural laws. Murder is naturally wrong because it serves no purpose. (killing for food serves a purpose) Stealing is naturally wrong because it benefits no one. (no honor among thieves and all that) One should get from society what one puts into society. The choice of inaction is still a choice. etc. Despite all that Fundamentalists would have us believe, most of our founding fathers were not Christians. In fact, many were Masons and our laws reflect that. The freedom of religion is worded so that the government doesn't exhalt one religion over another. This was to ensure a more secular approach to law making. Sure, the Bible says "Thou shalt not murder". But you don't have to believe in the Bible to know murder is wrong. (This is also why it may be written to keep the Sabbath holy, but there is no law halting business on Sunday--- the Post Office got that because of a compromise made after the Pony Express came to be).
2016-05-22 05:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by Ivette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've said this before -
Morals/ethics are independant from religion. They are not intangible because they serve a purpose and the group.
Religion may serve in keeping the peace but it can also be used as a weapon against people of other religions and therefore does not serve the group.
Does that make sense to you?
2006-10-24 00:56:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Religion usually implies a supernatural element... If this element is not present i am very reluctant to call it a religion.
In the case of ethics there is a very simple, natural explanation for both ethics and morality... this is causality. The ability for us to predict consequences and adjust actions to effect the most positive outcome is the crux of ethics. Nothing supernatural there.
2006-10-24 01:12:52 · answer #6 · answered by ChooseRealityPLEASE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheism doesn't necessarily say anything about ethics. It is just disbelief in the existence of God or Gods. Other than that you are free to explore pretty much anything and there are atheists who accept some metaphysical phenomena as long as it doesn't involve a deity.
2006-10-24 01:02:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
What a daft question. I drive my car (mainly) according to the rules of the road. I don't jump out at every traffic light and bow to it. Nor do I think the Highway Code was written by an invisible extra terrestrial.
I suppose I should add that I think the Highway code is a good idea.
2006-10-24 01:07:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ethics today don't require a god, Just a little compassion and common sence.
And yes I can provide proof, to witt: I'm a part of a community, I don't steal from my neighbour. His wife may look great, but i don't covert her. I don't murder people (eventhough i feel like it sometimes) and i work for my keep..
I done some awefull things, but i forgive myself.
thats pretty much it mate.
2006-10-24 01:09:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ethics are what you should live your life by. Not some old book written by men who thought the world was flat
2006-10-24 00:56:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋