One frequently cited argument for belief in God is the assertion that, without a divine being to establish moral codes, morality could not exist. Christopher Hitchens often countered this viewpoint in his many debates on religion (such as this one Christopher Hitchens on Morality), arguing that morality does not require a god; instead, humans possess an innate sense of right and wrong. This moral intuition, he suggested, has been crucial for the survival and evolution of our species, naturally fostering ethical behaviors over time.
I’ve always found Hitchens’ argument persuasive, so I was particularly interested in Harvey Whitehouse’s new book, Inheritance: The Evolutionary Origins of the Modern World. Whitehouse’s research aligns with this perspective, demonstrating through extensive studies of diverse societies that certain moral principles are universally regarded as good.
Whitehouse identifies seven moral principles that are considered universally good across cultures:
- Help your kin: Supporting and caring for family members.
- Be loyal to your group: Maintaining allegiance and commitment to one’s community or group.
- Reciprocate favors: Engaging in mutual aid and ensuring fairness in exchanges.
- Be courageous: Demonstrating bravery, particularly in defense of one’s community or values.
- Defer to superiors: Showing respect and compliance towards authority figures or leaders.
- Share things fairly: Ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
- Respect other people’s property: Honoring the ownership rights of others.
I haven’t finished the book yet, but it offers a fascinating exploration of how evolution more generally has shaped us.
Knowledge Letter: Issue: 291 (Subscribe)
Tags: anthropology (3) | Christopher Hitchens (5) | Harvey Whitehouse (2) | morality (8) | religion (11)
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