Scientists find beginnings of morality in other species (evolution, theologians)

[Scarlett Wampus]

Fascinating thread.

Random, do you think its possible that morality could somehow be tied to biology in such a way that morality proved to be rooted in something more fundamental to our being than what we term our rational soul?

[Random]

Originally Posted by Scarlett Wampus

Fascinating thread.

Random, do you think its possible that morality could somehow be tied to biology in such a way that morality proved to be rooted in something more fundamental to our being than what we term our rational soul?

Of course, yes, the mind and body in unison are salient aspects of the soul. The difference between us and animals in this though, and where we diverge from a mere biological cause/effect dynamic, is in that we can discern the four aggregates of our existence and adjudge accordingly in recognition of others.

Those aggregates are, in order, Thought, Form, Consciousness and Perception. There is nothing else and the awareness of these things in ourselves entitles us to the amalgalm of reason and intuition that we call Rationality.

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by Random

For me, the judgement of a rational soul is required for morality to fill the void between positive and negative actions and intentions.

Animals do not possess rational souls nor do they judge with intent.

Therefore, animals are amoral beings. Not "im-moral", but non-moral in the sense of amoral.

Define soul.
How exactly do you know that animals do not have one?
And how do you know that animals do not judge with intent?

[painted wolf]

very intresting point on the Stanford Exparament... thanks for the link.

I wonder how the other exparaments will hold up.

wa:do

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by painted wolf

very interesting point on the Stanford Experiment... thanks for the link.

I wonder how the other experiments will hold up.

wa:do

Not sure.
But I have heard it described as a "role playing scenario" and not an experiment.
However, I also do not base the whole of the premise on this one "experiment."

There have been several other 'experiments' which demonstrate the same thing.
To me it seems that the theory is still sound, just that there are to many problems with that particular 'experiment' for me to put away the salt.

One of the biggest problems you will run into with this type of experiment is that it is illegal to experiment on humans without full disclosure.
And with this type experiment, full disclosure will certainly taint the experiment.