Morality without a god?

     The question, “How can an objective morality exist without a god?” is one that plagues philosophers. Modern day philosophers tend to fall into one of a few broad categories: 

1) objective morality comes from god (typically the theist argument)

2) objective morality comes from wellbeing (typically the atheist argument) 

     There are problems with both of these positions. First, with the theist argument, this represents a logical fallacy of argumentum ad verecundiam, or an argument from authority. Something isn’t true because an authority has simply said it, even if that person is “god”. If this were True, then if god decided that slavery or rape was moral would it become moral? Hopefully the answer is no. This is summarized in the euthyphro dilemma: “Is something good because god says so, or does goodness exist outside of god?” 

     In terms of modern atheist arguments for morality, in which morality is defined as collective wellbeing, a different type of problem arises. This particular argument takes the form of the logical fallacy argumentum ad populum, or an argument from popularity. The argument from popularity suggests that whatever the most people say is True becomes True. As such, this type of morality is essentially saying whatever the most people say is moral, becomes moral. This system of morality would not prevent oppression of any minority group that has ever existed. We recognize that allowing the majority to determine what is good for the whole has provided a recipe for disaster which has played out in history countless times.

     We hopefully recognize that each side of the debate is missing a critical factor: the element of Truth. As an atheist, I would argue that objective morality comes from Truth itself and rational actions that arise from this understanding. Truth is determined by logic and reason (including the scientific method). Additionally, faith is not a pathway to Truth. Our own individual understanding of morality is by definition subjective as we cannot be aware of the complete Truth. There is an inextricable connection between Truth and morality that we need to understand.  As we can see, there are many, MANY more elements of this philosophy that need to be defined and elaborated.

To be continued…