An Athiest Defends Religion by Bruce Sheiman

Author:Bruce Sheiman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin USA, Inc.

The Method of Moral Progress

I believe that in the moral realm there is a parallel process to the scientific method; that moral progress proceeds in a manner similar to the way scientific progress takes place. The scientific method allows for the proposal of a hypothesis or theory based on observation. And the key to science is testability, wherein wrong ideas get rejected and correct ideas are retained. We can see a version of the same process occurring in evolution and natural selection—good genetic adaptations that lead to increased fitness are passed on to progeny; bad genetic adaptations just disappear.

I firmly believe that we also have a parallel method taking place, albeit less systematically, in the moral realm. A process of “natural selection” of cultural ideas has been ongoing throughout history. Put most simply, ideas that lead to the greatest moral fitness are retained. Depending on the prevailing cultural conditions, those moral ideas that maximize collective benefits and minimize social conflict are preserved. As I already said, this is not systematic, and there are numerous instances when history has taken a wrong turn; but it always seems to self-correct. Bad men and their ideas inevitably fail (Hitler, Stalin). Good men and their ideas invariably succeed (Gandhi, King). This process is similar in the moral sphere to what happens in the scientific sphere with the scientific method. Moral ideas that produce great benefit get passed on to future generations.

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