i am writing my dissertation on morality?

Question

and if anyone has any input, id like to listen.
my overall point is that morality is instinct and my argument is based mainly on biology and psychology.

i am still at the stage of gathering ideas, and any opposing ideas would be useful, so long as they are well made

i am on yahoo messenger [e-mail]

Answer 1

Try these links (hope they help):

The Evolution of Altruism
http://endeavor.med.nyu.edu/~strone01/altruism.html

If It Feels Good to Be Good, It Might Be Only Natural:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/27/AR2007052701056.html?nav=rss_print/asection

Answer 2

I think that there are many interesting angles you could go from. I think a biological approach would be very difficult, but there could be some good research already done out there on sharing, cooperation, attraction, socio/situational appropriateness of behavior. You might find some really good stuff that examines attraction and aggressive emotions or anger that might be useful to you.

However, if your point is that morality is instinctive, I think a better approach might be to compare research on social norms across cultures.

- or how about organizational behaviors and intelligence? That might highlight individual differences in developing a moral compass/moral intelligence.

An opposing view:
Morality is not instinct: when people are intoxicated or have experienced certain types of head trauma, their behavior is less inhibited and they do immoral things, right? However, their fight/flight, procreative, etc. instincts remain intact. Therefore, morality might seem to be unrelated to instinct.

Then you have to define instincts - are there different types?

Morality IS instinct:
Every human culture has mores (check a source..), and we all have a social structure that meets social needs.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 3

I hope you are prepared to spent some time on this one.
I would guess that 1000 or more variables are in need of consideration in your argument.
The first idea that came to mind is the effect of spiritual upbringing. Even with that, the variables are many.
The psychological impact of one religion verses the impact of another. I could go on and on, But I wont.
I would just like to say, stay focused, narrow your argument
to a vary sharp point, to save your own sanity.
I will add, do not cut corners, be convinced of your arguments, it will show, do the necessary research. This publication could make your career take off like a rocket, or not. "Good Luck"

Answer 4

Moralilty is not an instinct. An instinct is something that is sborn into the individual. Morality is certainly not born into the individual. There are only two instincts and they are a fear of falling and a fear of sudden loud noises. Morality is learned and it varies from culture to culture and from nation to nation. There is only two taboos that are universial and they are that you do not kill members of your own culture (although it is permissible to kill members of other cultures) and a mother may not have sex with her son.

Answer 5

Hey, I don't have anything particularly helpful, other than to check out the first few chapters of Mere Theology by C.S. Lewis. They're pretty good on morality. From a Christian perspective, that is.

Answer 6

Morality is an abstract creation of the human race. Without language skills and the ability to discuss, agree and enact moral codes, there would be no concept of morality.

Answer 7

Morality is of the highest importance - but for us, not for God.
Albert Einstein
If it's instinctual it's been through some profound thought as well.If you call reason compassion logic understanding and peaceful relations with other instinctual then you are right .
But I believe they learned and that is why they are not more widespread and the world is still backward .

Answer 8

It might be easier to prove that immorality is instinct - it begins with selfishness.