The Evolution of Morality

[Oncedeceived]

Of course we can. I do, you do, we all do, every single day. In fact, if we are here by strictly natural causes, as all the evidence suggests, then I would expect the nature of reality to be exactly as we find it to be. I don't accept your assertion that we're not able to distinguish between malevolent and benevolent behavior?

You have missed my point. It is not that we are not able to distinguish between good or bad behavior or any such thing. Also, it is not what all evidence suggests in my opinion.

I for one, prefer to live in a world where we care for the well being of others because it's the right thing to do, not because we think we're told to by an invisible sky daddy.

Again, that is not what I was saying.

Unfortunately for you, you have a belief system that includes a superior being who created a world with leukemia for eight year olds so we might better understand what it's like to not have leukemia. I find this line of thinking a bit twisted and sadistic. But that's just me, and I have a superior morality than the one in the Bible.

Well I would never claim I am more superior than you are, but then you are more morally superior so you can look down upon someone such as I.

 

[AV1611VET]

When does life start? in the womb or at birth?

Before that.

Are you saying abiogenesis does not occur in the womb or at birth?

If so, which side of the abortion issue is science on?

 

[Loudmouth]

Well I would never claim I am more superior than you are, but then you are more morally superior so you can look down upon someone such as I.

I don't think atheists are morally superior to any theist. That is the whole point. Theists are just as capable of determing for themselves what is and isn't moral. Problems arise when theists ignore their own moral compass as a sacrifice for their religious beliefs.

 

[Loudmouth]

Are you saying abiogenesis does not occur in the womb or at birth?

I will say it. Abiogenesis does not occur in the womb. Embryonic development occurs in the womb. Abiogenesis and embryonic development are not the same thing.

Is that clear enough?

If so, which side of the abortion issue is science on?

The same side that gravity is on.

 

[AV1611VET]

Sorry I can't answer that because there is no true scientific definition of life, so we cannot say when it becomes life.

I believe the scientific definition of life is:

When something can 1) replicate itself, and 2) adapt itself to its surroundings.

I could be wrong though.

 

[HitchSlap]

You have missed my point. It is not that we are not able to distinguish between good or bad behavior or any such thing. Also, it is not what all evidence suggests in my opinion.



Again, that is not what I was saying.



Well I would never claim I am more superior than you are, but then you are more morally superior so you can look down upon someone such as I.

Sure you can. You know good and well you wouldn't intentionally give eight year olds leukemia. This makes your morality superior to your invisible sky daddy, as well.

 

[AV1611VET]

let me nudge you in the right direction. Where have you seen life not come from life?

Never have / never will ...

 

[AV1611VET]

Embryonic development occurs in the womb.

And terminating embryonic development is terminating life?

 

[Loudmouth]

And terminating embryonic development is terminating life?

What does gravity say?

 

[HitchSlap]

And terminating embryonic development is terminating life?

Speaking of terminating life, seems your boss doesn't have a problem with it. So why should you?

Miscarriage: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

 

[mzungu]

I believe the scientific definition of life is:

When something can 1) replicate itself, and 2) adapt itself to its surroundings.

I could be wrong though.

Can you replicate yourself? Viruses cannot replicate themselves (they use their host to do that for them; are they not living things? Sperm cannot replicate themselves. et cetera et cetera ad infinitum.

Please give me your definition of life.

 

[AV1611VET]

What does gravity say?

Gravity says: a GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT times MASS ONE times MASS TWO divided by RADIUS SQUARED equals ME.

 

[mzungu]

Gravity says: a GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT times MASS ONE times MASS TWO divided by RADIUS SQUARED equals ME.

I know it is night time here in Africa but shouldn't you be in bed by now AV

 

[AV1611VET]

Speaking of terminating life, seems your boss doesn't have a problem with it.

Do you blame Him for what Mother Nature does?

Except, of course, when it comes to the weather ... that's a different story, isn't it?

 

[mzungu]

Do you blame Him for what Mother Nature does?

Except, of course, when it comes to the weather ... that's a different story, isn't it?

How can one blame nature when it is not a sentient entity and how can one blame a deity which is non existent

 

[HitchSlap]

Do you blame Him for what Mother Nature does?

Except, of course, when it comes to the weather ... that's a different story, isn't it?

I don't blame god for anything. How do you blame someone that doesn't exist?



Will you define "life?"

 

[Loudmouth]

Gravity says: a GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT times MASS ONE times MASS TWO divided by RADIUS SQUARED equals ME.

What side does gravity come down on with respect to abortion?

 

[AV1611VET]

I know it is night time here in Africa but shouldn't you be in bed by now AV

You sound like my wife!

 

[Belk]

Are you saying abiogenesis does not occur in the womb or at birth?

I'm not saying anything about abiogenesis at all since it has no relevance to this situation as I am sure you know.

If so, which side of the abortion issue is science on?

Neither. Science does not deal with ethics and morality, it deals with describing the natural world.

 

[AV1611VET]

Science does not deal with ethics and morality, it deals with describing the natural world.