- Jan 6, 2005
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Perhaps one of the most frequent denounciations of freethought philosophies stem from the conception that freethinkers lack any commandments, divinely inspired system of moral laws, and in turn, any moral compass. There is a widespread notion that all secularists thereby embrace moral relativism, which many religionists credit with the moral decay of society. The issue of moral relativism is indeed debatable, but there can be no question that many freethinkers subscribe to an objective moral system. I for one, believe that moral principles are natural and necesarry, a simple part of evolution. Just as there are physcial laws which govern our universe, there are moral laws which govern, or guide humanity. These principles are all discoverable through reason. I believe in an objective reality which exists independently of human thoughts or feelings, that it is our duty to reconcile our beliefs, or perceptions of reality, with true reality,noumena; and to be rational beings. In my opinion, to know reality is to know morality. Therefore all which is opposed to exploring the depths of one's reason would be considered immoral, for it prevents one from discovering and understanding the nature of morality. But, away from my amateur opinions there are a great deal of other existing philosophies which hold moral absolutes.
Utilitarianism- This system states that an action's morality is derived from the good it produces. For instance, if telling a lie benefits 100 people, while telling the truth benefits only 50, the lie would be the ethical course of action. Invented by Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century, and popularized by Mill in the 19th, I suppose this could be considered practical morality.
Deontology- Directly opposed to consequentialist morality is deontology, a philosophy which holds that an action is moral in itself, regardless of the results it produces. One who upholds this ethical system would never tell a lie, even to save a life, for that implies lying is a morally acceptable action for all to engage in. Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative states that one should act only in such a way that they would also will upon all else; and to treat humanity as an and end not a means.
Objectivism- Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism(big O, not to be confused with objectivism in other fields) espouses the virtue of selfishness, which promotes rational self-interest. This basically means that adopting one's one life as one's ultimate ethical purpose is a morally respctable acheivment.
There are others as well, but I simply wanted to expose people to different moral philosophies and show that, like Christians, Freethinkers come in many forms. What are your thoughts?
Utilitarianism- This system states that an action's morality is derived from the good it produces. For instance, if telling a lie benefits 100 people, while telling the truth benefits only 50, the lie would be the ethical course of action. Invented by Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century, and popularized by Mill in the 19th, I suppose this could be considered practical morality.
Deontology- Directly opposed to consequentialist morality is deontology, a philosophy which holds that an action is moral in itself, regardless of the results it produces. One who upholds this ethical system would never tell a lie, even to save a life, for that implies lying is a morally acceptable action for all to engage in. Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative states that one should act only in such a way that they would also will upon all else; and to treat humanity as an and end not a means.
Objectivism- Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism(big O, not to be confused with objectivism in other fields) espouses the virtue of selfishness, which promotes rational self-interest. This basically means that adopting one's one life as one's ultimate ethical purpose is a morally respctable acheivment.
There are others as well, but I simply wanted to expose people to different moral philosophies and show that, like Christians, Freethinkers come in many forms. What are your thoughts?
