I would say that our moral behaviour is more refined than that of other animals because we can articulate the meaning or intent quite specifically through our language. The laws we have which 'help us stay moral' are very specific in terms of what we should or shouldn't do. That's not to say...
Hi Christine.
What do you make of proponents of Intelligent Design who claim that a 'designer' is responsible for the workings of the natural world? IDers often highlight what science cannot currently answer by proclaiming that 'design' is the only explanation. Isn't this similar to the 'caveman...
What's Altran's premise? (I'm asking because I want to know what he's saying without having to plough through the book! I only have one life to live :))
Great photos! I went to Avebury circle once on the way back from Glastonbury Festival. The place was over-run with stoned hippies! The pub next to the stones was great, though.
Interesting point. Many theists (more specifically, christians) I have spoken to seem more pre-occupied with the supernatural realm than with the world they are actually living in. The only theists that I have encountered that have expressed an interest in (and concern for) Nature are those who...
Yes. The difference is that humans have developed the concept of morality and moral behaviour to a more refined level (with specific rules, laws and expected behaviours) but, ultimately, the principles are the same.
No, I don't think so. If you accept that forms of moral behaviour exist in non-humans, then it makes sense to accept that our moral behaviour has its roots in our pre-human past. Atheist or theist - we are all animals with inherited traits, like it or not.
Perhaps many theists see atheists as...
Perhaps the bumper sticker alludes to the origins of supernatural belief. As humans, it seems natural for us to attribute meaning and pattern to what we see, so if an explanation isn't obvious, then perhaps we make one up. Maybe 'religion' originated as a method of explaining the as-yet...
This may have been done before...
Is morality an evolved trait and present in a variety of species, or is it bestowed only upon humans from a deity?
This came about as a result of a brief conversation between myself and Danmac earlier today. I say that evidence is available that indicates...
You have to consider the circumstances surrounding the display of moral behaviour. Did you read the link I posted? It outlines some thought-provoking examples.
Again, I'm happy to discuss this on another thread to prevent this one being sidetracked away from creationist evidence.
Research has shown that many animal species have a sense of morality, and that the roots of our own morality can be seen in other primate species. Perhaps it's more accurate for you to say that other animals may not have such a complex form of morality as we do, but it does exist.
Although...
Many theists say that god works through people, so those involved in alleviating suffering, saving trapped people in buildings etc is evidence of god at work.
Personally, I think that's a lame answer. Given what we read in the bible (for example), apparently god was personally performing...
Okay, now that you guys have presented your evidence, would any of you care to visit the 'Creation in the classroom' thread and tell us how we should be teaching this stuff within the context of science lessons?
Obviously your evidence will be based upon considerable published research and...