Morality Is not Real

Morality is a fundamental concept that defines the principles of right and wrong, guiding human behavior and shaping societies. While animals exhibit certain forms of behavior that can be perceived as moral, the concept of morality itself is unique to the human intellect. As an illustration, nihilists deny both the existence of good and evil in all of creation. In the mind of the nihilist, the world simply exists and human created morality, thereby creating good and evil.

Morals are commonly understood as principles or guidelines that dictate what is right or wrong, good or bad, in human behavior. However, the concept of morals being real is highly subjective and lacks a solid foundation in objective reality. There are several reasons why morals can be considered as not "real".

This article explores the reasons behind morality's exclusivity to humans, highlighting our capacity for complex reasoning, empathy, and the ability to reflect upon our actions.

The Cognitive Complexity of Morality:

One of the primary reasons why morality is exclusive to humans is our advanced cognitive abilities. Unlike animals, humans possess complex cognitive structures, allowing us to engage in abstract reasoning and critical thinking. This level of cognitive complexity enables us to understand the consequences of our actions, assess moral dilemmas, and make decisions based on ethical considerations.

Empathy and Perspective-Taking:

Another crucial aspect of human morality is our capacity for empathy and perspective-taking. Humans have the ability to put themselves in someone else's shoes, understand their emotions, and respond with compassion. This empathetic understanding allows us to recognize the impact of our actions on others and make moral judgments accordingly. Empathy also plays a crucial role in building relationships, fostering cooperation, and promoting moral behavior within societies.

Furthermore, the existence of psychopaths or individuals with antisocial personality disorders who lack a sense of empathy or moral conscience raises questions about the inherent nature of morals. If morals were real, one would expect them to be universally present in all individuals. However, the existence of individuals who lack moral compasses suggests that morals are not an inherent or objective part of human nature.

Reflective Thinking and Moral Development:

Unlike animals, humans have the ability to engage in reflective thinking and moral development throughout their lives. We possess a sense of self-awareness that allows us to evaluate our own actions and consider their moral implications. This introspective capacity enables us to learn from our mistakes, modify our behavior, and grow morally. Through reflection, humans can develop a moral compass that guides their actions and contributes to the overall progress of society.

Cultural and Social Influence:

Morality is not solely a product of individual intellect but is also shaped by cultural and social factors. While humans have an inherent moral sense, the specific moral values and norms differ across cultures and societies. The development of moral frameworks is influenced by cultural beliefs, religious teachings, and societal norms. This interplay between personal intellect and external influences further emphasizes the exclusivity of morality to humans. Morals vary widely across different cultures and societies. What is considered morally acceptable in one culture may be completely condemned in another. For example, practices such as polygamy, cannibalism, or even corporal punishment can be seen as morally acceptable in certain societies, while they are strongly condemned in others. This cultural relativism suggests that morals are not universal or objective truths, but rather socially constructed norms that differ from one group to another.

Secondly, even within a particular culture, morals can change over time. Society's moral standards have evolved significantly throughout history. What was once considered morally acceptable, such as slavery or discrimination based on race or gender, is now widely acknowledged as morally wrong. This dynamic nature of morals further undermines their claim of being real or absolute.

Critics and Alternative Perspectives:

While the concept of morality is predominantly associated with human intellect, some argue that animals exhibit certain moral behaviors. For instance, primates have been observed showing empathy, cooperation, and altruistic actions. However, these behaviors are limited in scope and lack the complexity and depth of human morality. Animals may display forms of social cooperation for survival, but they lack the ability to engage in abstract moral reasoning or reflect upon their actions.

Moreover, the existence of moral dilemmas and conflicting moral perspectives further challenges the notion of objective morals. Different individuals or groups often hold contrasting moral beliefs, and these conflicting viewpoints can lead to moral relativism. For instance, debates about abortion, euthanasia, or capital punishment reflect the divergent moral positions held by different individuals or societies. If morals were real and objective, there would be a clear consensus on such issues, which is clearly not the case.

Additionally, the evolutionary perspective on morality undermines the idea of objective morals. Evolutionary psychologists argue that morals have evolved as adaptive mechanisms to ensure social cohesion and cooperation within groups. From this perspective, morals can be seen as a result of evolutionary processes rather than objective truths. This further suggests that morals are not real but rather a product of human evolution and social dynamics.

In conclusion, the concept of morals being real lacks a solid foundation in objective reality. Morality is a concept that is exclusive to the human intellect due to our advanced cognitive abilities, capacity for empathy and perspective-taking, reflective thinking, and the influence of culture and society. While animals may exhibit behaviors that resemble morality, their actions are primarily driven by instinct and lack the depth and complexity of human moral judgment. The wide variation in moral beliefs across cultures, the changing nature of morals over time, the existence of conflicting moral perspectives, the presence of individuals lacking moral conscience, and the evolutionary perspective on morality all contribute to the argument that morals are not real but rather subjective and socially constructed. Understanding the exclusivity of morality to humans highlights our responsibility to make ethical choices and contribute to the betterment of society.