Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Still looking for the source of Morality

Last week we watched Sam Harris' presentation on the ability of science to answer moral questions. We did not learn that it can. Harris told us that science-based answers to moral problems was a good idea, but unfortunately he didn't give us any evidence. Through our discussion, the best we could come up with is that perhaps the Golden Rule is as good as we've got for a universal truth. And maybe that's a pretty significant conclusion.
Next Sunday we will continue with Franz de Waal and a recent piece he wrote for the NY Times entitled "Morals without God." Again, we'll see the the author of the title of the essay is a bit optimistic with respect to de Wall's position. De Waal holds that the building blocks of morality are clearly and obviously presence in the natural world. Examples will be illustrated and discussed.
Please join us for a lively session. We'll be delighted to see you. And remember, excellent childcare is provided.

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