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Atheists, ethics and religion

February 12th 2010 10:14

Is it possible to live, work and play in an ethical way without the guiding hand and stabilising influence of religion?

According to a study at America's Harvard University, it is a result which some may dismiss as oxymoronic and others may dismiss as trivial.

The Harvard researchers apparently thought neither, analysing a series of psychological studies aimed at testing the morality of individuals.

Their conclusion, according to Dr Marc Hauser, a co-author of the final report, is that atheists have a sense of right and wrong which pretty much matches that of believers. The study also found that ethical standards vary little between most religions.

Dr Hauser said the findings could help explain the complex relationship between morality and religion. What he didn't say is that atheists have no need of such an explanation.

The findings of the study were published in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences.

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Posted By: Chris Champion - Category: Life questions, Psychology

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Comments

18 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Morgan Bell

February 12th 2010 15:47

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i would argue that some branches of religion actually encourage people to act against their natural sense of ethics, denying homosexuals and women basic human rights, money-grubbing, and abusing power

Comment by Chris Champion

February 12th 2010 17:42

Vyoos
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Hi Morgan, absolutely right.

There's something odd about this study, as in: why should they feel the need to prove this point in the first place? The atheists don't care, and the religious types shouldn't need convincing if they all practiced the tolerance that they preach.

Comment by Norm

February 12th 2010 21:56

Consumption Malfunction
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Is Atheism an organised religion?

Comment by Chris Champion

February 12th 2010 22:11

Vyoos
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Hi Norm,

Don't you know nuffink? Atheism is an organised form of communal appreciation of unconsecrated chocolate, originating from ancient Athems. It's gone underground these days because the American Food and Drug Administration, after strong lobbying from SL Bradish, insisted on the packaging of unconsecrated chocolate carrying a 73,018-word "psychological health" warning.

The Australian headquarters of the appreciators of unconsecrated chocolate moves every time Morgan Bell moves.

Comment by RubySoho

February 13th 2010 03:52

Music Zone
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Don't trust your pet with an atheist!

Rapture Ready?

p.s any lobbying by SL Bradish will involve far more quotation marks.

Comment by Chris Champion

February 13th 2010 03:59

Vyoos
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Hi Ruby,

That's one of the most entertaining reads I have had in ages. Thank you!

You're much braver than me with SL. You march right into enemy territory while I just snipe from afar. You're my hero.

Comment by Kleonaptra

February 14th 2010 05:17

Kalikapsychosis

Oh Ruby, I can always count on you!

Just when I think there might be sanity in the world after all....You post a link and I realize its long gone. Seriously, I didnt know whether to laugh or cry.

Comment by sumaya rahman

February 14th 2010 13:53

Paradigm of Melange

right & wrong : the very essence of humankind did not come up by itself......it was religion that taught it in the first place.......

Comment by Chris Champion

February 14th 2010 18:22

Vyoos
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Hi Sumaya,

So what is the essence of humankind? Sin?

Comment by sumaya rahman

February 14th 2010 20:48

Paradigm of Melange

nop..by essence of humankind I meant behaviour that differentiates us from animals ie good & bad or right & wrong...all these set of rules had to be laid out by someone supreme............