In a previous thread, I proposed an alternative method for addressing morality. Instead of looking at a behavior as "right" or "wrong", I suggested that we look at it as either kind or unkind. In so doing, I was attempting to divorce human behavior from acts based on obligation.
From the time we are little, we are taught that things are "right" or "wrong". We are told that we "should" do certain things. But is this the truth?
One major difficulty I have had in my transition to atheism is how to deal with morality. I formally argued that if there were no god then we are simply matter interacting with other matter. My line of thinking was that if this is the case then nothing is truly "right" or truly "wrong". No one is obligated to do anything. If this is the case, then what Hitler did really wasn't "wrong". That is a disburbing thought to me. However, in an attempt to engage in meaningful dialogue, I am attempting to be open in regards to my thinking.
Which brings me back to my original question: What do "right" and "wrong" really mean? Are these terms based on the commands of a deity? Do they have significant meaning? Or, are they terms that have to do with obligation, not with the effects of performing a certain action?
Is it in appropriate for atheists to describe anything as "right" or "wrong"? Or should we describe things as either "kind" or "unkind"? Or is there other alternatives that we should consider?
What do the words "right" and "wrong" really mean?
by mankkeli 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
-
mankkeli
-
N.drew
Right is treating others with the same respect that you expect from them.
Wrong can be anything, that's why we who believe in God trust Jesus.
-
charlie brown jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbYGj7vr9wM
right right wrong....right right wrong
-
N.drew
I sure do wish my computer had sound. I might go find a computer.... I hope it's worth the trouble.
-
Wasanelder Once
Right is when you have the pink slip. Wrong is when you fart in an elevator.
-
OUTLAW
White Wong
..........................;-)...OUTLAW
-
bohm
mankkeli: ofcourse it is appropriate! If someone makes a big deal out of it (as some tend to do), then simply give your working definition of right and wrong and ask them if they have better ideas. If they go with "whatever god says is right" then they have provided a pseudo-definition which could be applied to anything ("what is humor? - whatever god think is funny", "what is tall? - whatever god think is tall" and so on).
