The Human Investment In Moral Behavior
Start writing a post

The Human Investment In Moral Behavior

Better not to spill time with the popular question: why be moral without God?

594
The Human Investment In Moral Behavior
Tumisu

If there is no God, why be moral?

I daresay it is revealing that the question takes this form. I make these two points: this unsettling stance firstly implies that he who asks is some kind of monster who is only moral due to having been enjoined not to act wickedly. Moral for no other reason than a concern for your eternal soul, you conduct good works while thinking privately that you care nothing for the actions your physical self is performing.

You don’t mean it when you compliment a person or provide them a gift; you don’t do favors for others in need because you actually care about them; you tell the truth only because you know you’re supervised. I probably don’t believe this about you unless you are certifiably psychopathic.

And the second point, which I think can testify to the first, is that no one who is morally apathetic sans godly provision would, in the first place, use morality as a talking point to convince a non-believer.

That the moral argument is employed persuasively signals that you find morals valuable, and that therefore you are not moral exclusively because of perpetual supervision by a great punisher.

If indeed humans are so wretched, a collection of strictures such as morals would be anathema - entirely unhelpful to your case, like advertising your restaurant by appealing to its customary practice of enforcing the consumption of rotten meat. You are betraying an independent human investment in morals by using them argumentatively.

Another analogy: if I argue that students should be left to their own devices in classrooms, isolated from the invigilation and guidance of a teacher, you might respond that in this case nothing would get done. Few children would actively pursue textbooks or other forms of academic learning.

If you did respond this way, what would it say about you? That you believe learning is valuable? Or that learning is only valuable when a teacher is present?

If you believed the latter, which I think nobody would, then the teacher’s absence should make no difference. The former position suggests value in education whether there is a teacher or not.

If the world is a classroom, I say we students need no such teacher and that we can learn of our own volition.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54022
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34781
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957163
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

182073
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments