Can Evolution Explain Morality-Analysis
Morality is something many evolutionists have struggled with because it is something that seems to separate humans from animals. Social psychologists (those who study how a person relates to a group of people, community, or organization) are intrigued by what motivates people to engage in altruistic behavior and what compels people to uphold their moral code even in the midst of opposition.
The article outlined three main reasons (supporting evolution) why morality exists and why people engage in altruism:
- "Do unto others" as you would like them to do to you, as a means to getting them to treat you that way--in other words, hoping that they will reciprocate.
- Treat people who are special to you--relatives, friends, members of the same group or nation--as you would like to be treated, but not merely as a means to getting them to treat you that way.
- Treat every human being (and perhaps other animals too) as you would like to be treated, even when they are not likely to reciprocate, even if they are not likely to retaliate if you treat them badly. (This is sometimes called "universalistic" morality, in contrast with "tribal" morality.)
Darwin and Darwinian theory followers tend to believe in concept number two which is called "the kinship theory" in social psychology terms. I find it interesting that even when humans do something out of pure selflessness those actions can be twisted into a support for Darwinism. Theories supporting evolution will always twist human like qualities into animal like qualities. I would recommend this article. I believe it gives insight into what Darwin Theory says about morality and altruism and can be a good support for the argument against his theories.
Here's the actual site: