Is it a logical fallacy when atheists say they are more virtuous than nonatheists?

Question

By arguing that you are better than someone else, that implies that there is some kind of moral judgement being imposed by a higher constraint. It also implies that there is some kind of purpose or meaning behind what we do and think other than existing. Atheists don't believe in any absolute truth other than the laws of nature or science, so what gives them the right to decide that. If virtue is self appointed rather than based on an objective standard, then it becomes somewhat arbitrary and meaningless. Human values are largely subjective and change over time and differ among cultures, so that means a person is only good because they fall within the cultural norm and not because it's the right thing. If the world decided that behaviours like polygamy and prostitution was moral, how would you be able to question if there's no higher constraint. Why would a human even be more virtuous than an animal? Nature does not have any special consideration for humans, nor does it act with purpos

Can't you people come up with better rebuttals than giving an opinion of me?

To the people who say that atheists have no guidelines or implied punishment, have you ever heard of something called laws or police?

Answer 1

To be truly virtuous in all ways, it would have to be done without religious guidelines or implied punishments . Therefore, Atheists who are virtuous in and of themselves with no guidelines or implied punishments are summarily proven more virtuous than any Christian, even though the Christian may be virtuous to the same degree.

Answer 2

The Law of the nation is a "higher authority".

If an atheist is more inclined to abide by the law than a theist, then he can claim to be morally superior.

An atheist could also compare their actions against a theist using their own religious text. Consider the typical christian homophobic position against gay marriage, while an atheist would claim it should be an equal right for all. This would demonstrate atheists are more compassionate, understanding and tolerant.

Morality is subjective, but as such can be compared on an individual basis, whether it has universal precidence or not.

Answer 3

Well, I live in the Netherlands. We have this funny thing about prostitution. Amsterdam and 'red light district' rings a bell for a lot of people.

Then again, I think there are prostitutes EVERYWHERE IN THE BLOODY WORLD. So obviously, it serves a function. In that respect, it might be a good idea to legalise it and provide decent protection, money and hygiene standards. Since it is 'the oldest profession' in the world it is obviously here to stay. The moral thing to do would be to offer these women and men a place in our society instead of on the fringes where nasty criminal things happen.

Answer 4

human values are still subjective because:tribes didn't know the existense of other tribes and wanted to elliminate and enslave those they knew .WE ARE NOW IN SPACE AGE...i am talking about humanity progress not greece,russia,usa or whatever....

Answer 5

you obviously only choose to see information that suits your agenda, and aren't really looking for answers - or even meaningful debate. You may as well have asked, "when did you stop beating your wife."

Answer 6

I've never said that.

Answer 7

You really wrote all that?