Continuing a look at the origin of reality…largely inspired and derived from George F.R. Ellis' brilliant brief book, BEFORE THE BEGINNING. He is NOT responsible, though, for the liberties I've taken with his logic or how I've chosen to illustrate it. A purpose of the universe. Please note I don't claim it's the ONLY purpose of the universe. My claim is arrogant enough without that.
Still…either morality is a set of convenient rules with no intrinsic value, constructed to facillitate society–a set of convenient lies…
…or it reflects something true.
Similarly, the flashes of transcendence experienced by people over the ages–often remarkably similiar–are a low-level schizophrenia that is much more widespread than regular schizophrenia– –or its something outside our frame of reference, trying to break through.
Take your pick.
When you add in the antropic coincidences, the many fine-tunings needed for intelligent life to evolve—it's certainly a hypothesis worth exploring.
A word about religious urges running counter to evolution's need for self-preservation–religous martyrs have often sacrificed their lives for their beliefs. Even religious terrorists, like the recent events in France, or the 911 terrorists, prove that. Some might argue such exploits are more political than religious, but one cannot say the same for many other martyrs, such as the early Christians oppressed and killed by the Roman Empire, who had no separate political agenda (or entity) to cling to, or those of the Buddhist faith who submitted to tyranny's executions rather than give up their peaceful beliefs.
Yes, aliens' moralities might be very different in some ways form our own–carnivores and herbivores might have a totally different viewpoint. But still, xenocide and the wanton slaughter of intelligent beings would probably be against the intent of a Creator who labored to allow intelligent beings to evolve. Science fiction stories like Poul Anderon's “The Problem of Pain” hint at the subtleties involved, as does C.S. Lewis' “Space Trilogy”.
After I get through with these five points, I will probably wrap this up. (And you thought this would go on forever? Fat chance.)
@tupapayon: There's been some study into animal 'morality', as it were - the fact that dolphin males will corral females and keep them prisoner as sex slaves (and seem to get great joy when doing so) troubles me greatly!
Once again, I find myself in general agreement with everything here - well done! I do really look forward to your point #2: Effective Freewill. When you say 'effective' I feel you may be heading to some sort of compatibilism (with regard to determinism) but let's just wait and see, shall we :)
I don't research too much science stuff… is there a study about morality in other forms if life with higher brain function? Dolphins, whales… how about morality behavior in gorillas or chimpanzees?… do carnivorous pray before killing?… I know a funny joke about it…
tupapayon at 11:53AM, Jan. 18, 2015
@KimLuster: that is troublesome… all creation is subject to sin… there goes the theologian in me speaking again… shut it , theologian!…
KimLuster at 10:58AM, Jan. 18, 2015
@tupapayon: There's been some study into animal 'morality', as it were - the fact that dolphin males will corral females and keep them prisoner as sex slaves (and seem to get great joy when doing so) troubles me greatly!
KimLuster at 10:55AM, Jan. 18, 2015
Once again, I find myself in general agreement with everything here - well done! I do really look forward to your point #2: Effective Freewill. When you say 'effective' I feel you may be heading to some sort of compatibilism (with regard to determinism) but let's just wait and see, shall we :)
tupapayon at 9:06AM, Jan. 18, 2015
I don't research too much science stuff… is there a study about morality in other forms if life with higher brain function? Dolphins, whales… how about morality behavior in gorillas or chimpanzees?… do carnivorous pray before killing?… I know a funny joke about it…