Atheism and evil

[Resha Caner]

As an atheist, do you think something can be objectively established as evil? If so, how?

Subjectively, do you think there is evil?

 

[PsychoSarah]

As an atheist, do you think something can be objectively established as evil? If so, how?

Subjectively, do you think there is evil?

Evil and good as concepts are highly subjective, so no.

Of course, after all, the concept of evil exists. It wouldn't if there was no means of perceiving something as evil.

 

[Resha Caner]

Evil and good as concepts are highly subjective, so no.

It makes sense, then, that you would think the same of good. So, in your opinion, something like love is also subjective?

 

[PsychoSarah]

It makes sense, then, that you would think the same of good. So, in your opinion, something like love is also subjective?

Love is such an abstract emotion, my autistic mind can barely grasp it as far as even understanding what the emotion feels like. Probably subjective in the sense that there are cultural differences in what is considered love, but I don't think love is a singular emotion, but more a collection of different emotional responses together.

 

[Eudaimonist]

As an atheist, do you think something can be objectively established as evil? If so, how?

Yes. If it is harmful to a human mode of living, it is objectively evil for us as human beings.

Subjectively, do you think there is evil?

I don't understand this question.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Snake75]

I'm not quite sure. I think evil and good is different for everyone. For instance, ISIS or any terrirost group. They truly think they are doing good for their religion. But, in reality they are considered "evil". So, I don't think I can give you a definite answer

 

[Resha Caner]

Love is such an abstract emotion, my autistic mind can barely grasp it as far as even understanding what the emotion feels like. Probably subjective in the sense that there are cultural differences in what is considered love, but I don't think love is a singular emotion, but more a collection of different emotional responses together.

Love seems illusive to a lot of people. I don't think the Bible says God is omnibenevolent (as people seem to use the word), and when debates ensue over issues of omnibenevolence, I'm not sure anyone really knows what they're talking about.

Regardless, atheists often seem put off by what happens in the Bible, so I'm wondering if it's just a personal displeasure or if there is something more to it.

 

[Resha Caner]

I don't understand this question.

It doesn't matter based on how you answered the first question. For those who think evil can't be objectively determined, I was asking if there are things they personally consider to be evil.

Yes. If it is harmful to a human mode of living, it is objectively evil for us as human beings.

OK. Is it only objective at that conceptual level, or is there a way to implement such an idea at a more practical level?

 

[essentialsaltes]

As an atheist, do you think something can be objectively established as evil? If so, how?

No. There is no such thing as objective morality.

Subjectively, do you think there is evil?

Evil is somewhat theologically charged, so I would prefer to talk about moral wrongs. Yes, my subjective moral system recognizes many moral wrongs.

 

[Eudaimonist]

Is it only objective at that conceptual level, or is there a way to implement such an idea at a more practical level?

I think that one can be more specific and practical.

I favor virtue ethics as a framework for understanding such issues. A basic understanding of the rational and social nature of human beings can ground an understanding of the various virtues on which effective human functioning depends. For instance, one can speak about how justice is rationality as applied to judging the character and obligations of others, and how justice is involved with the ability of people to effectively socialize with each other.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[True Scotsman]

As an atheist, do you think something can be objectively established as evil? If so, how?

Subjectively, do you think there is evil?

Yes, by its effect on man's life. That which promotes life is the good. That which harms it is evil. Man's life is the objective standard by which good and evil are measured.

 

[bhsmte]

Love seems illusive to a lot of people. I don't think the Bible says God is omnibenevolent (as people seem to use the word), and when debates ensue over issues of omnibenevolence, I'm not sure anyone really knows what they're talking about.

Regardless, atheists often seem put off by what happens in the Bible, so I'm wondering if it's just a personal displeasure or if there is something more to it.

Regarding the bible, it is a mixed bag.

Some generally good lessons are included and some stuff, that is quite disturbing, but not surprising considering the time the book was written.

So to me, the bible reflects what men were capable of writing at the time it was written. When it comes to me personally, I can not reconcile the claims the book makes with reality and or, a thorough review of the historicity of the book itself.

Bottom line, if believing the bible in some form or fashion based on faith, is the foundation of one's beliefs and it helps them in their journey through life, then that is the right path for them personally.

 

[Resha Caner]

I think that one can be more specific and practical.

I favor virtue ethics as a framework for understanding such issues. A basic understanding of the rational and social nature of human beings can ground an understanding of the various virtues on which effective human functioning depends. For instance, one can speak about how justice is rationality as applied to judging the character and obligations of others, and how justice is involved with the ability of people to effectively socialize with each other.

An example?

 

[Resha Caner]

Yes, by its effect on man's life. That which promotes life is the good. That which harms it is evil. Man's life is the objective standard by which good and evil are measured.

The same question to you as to Eudaimonist: How do you implement that at a practical level? IOW, how do you make it more than an idea?

 

[Resha Caner]

Yes, my subjective moral system recognizes many moral wrongs.

In what way does your system handle interacting with others? It seems you would accept that their system can differ from yours.

 

[bhsmte]

The same question to you as to Eudaimonist: How do you implement that at a practical level? IOW, how do you make it more than an idea?

There is no text book for that.

We all live our lives according to our own motivations which are driven by our individual psychology.

 

[bhsmte]

In what way does your system handle interacting with others? It seems you would accept that their system can differ from yours.

Since we are social beings, we all have an internal compass as to how our actions and or words, impact others. Many variables go into each of our internal compasses, of what we each determine to be acceptable or unacceptable behavior from ourselves.

There is no magic formula to this stuff.

 

[Resha Caner]

There is no text book for that.

We all live our lives according to our own motivations which are driven by our individual psychology.

Yes, you hold a view that it is subjective. As such, the question isn't really for you. The objectivists so far seem to be Eudaimonist & Scotsman. The rest, like you, are subjectivists.

We'll need to wait for an objectivist to answer the question, and then you can challenge that if you choose. The question of the moment for subjectivists is how they then relate to those whose system differs.

 

[Resha Caner]

There is no magic formula to this stuff.

That's fine. Then offer some examples that you think might put a rough perimeter around the landscape.

 

[essentialsaltes]

In what way does your system handle interacting with others? It seems you would accept that their system can differ from yours.

I know that many people have different moral systems than mine.
Everyone knows that many people have different moral systems than theirs.
So I don't see that I'm in any particularly unique or shaky position.

I'm not sure I know what you mean by 'handling interacting with others'.

Personally, I generally agree with the golden rule or the categorical imperative for how I treat other people.

If you mean, 'what do you do about people who think it is okay to murder people (and act on this belief and murder people)?'

I think we should catch them and lock them up. This is not a difficult question. Fortunately, the society I am a part of has the same view, as enacted in the laws that pertain to these cases.