Universal versus Moral Right and Wrong? (morals, homosexuality, sexuality, morals)

[XAAX]

How about honor thy mother and father?

Although I do with mine...I know some that have had terrible parents who don't deserve to even be called that. I don't think it is something that should fall under universal because it isn't across the board...

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Feathers in Hair

I was just trying to think of another one.

Another moral principle that some anthropologists assert is universally found in all known societies and cultures is a prohibition against lying to members of your in-group with the intention to hurt them in some way, except for when done in self-defense. (By "in-group", I mean members of your family, peers, tribe, etc.) Again, the fact this principle is ubiquitous is strong evidence that it is instinctual.

BTW, by instinctual, I do not mean "reflexive". An instinct is a predisposition to a behavior, not a reflex.

[XAAX]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Another moral principle that some anthropologists assert is universally found in all known societies and cultures is a prohibition against lying to members of your in-group with the intention to hurt them in some way, except for when done in self-defense. (By "in-group", I mean members of your family, peers, tribe, etc.) Again, the fact this principle is ubiquitous is strong evidence that it is instinctual.

BTW, by instinctual, I do not mean "reflexive". An instinct is a predisposition to a behavior, not a reflex.

I believe lying falls under the universal list. To lie you cause confusion and mistrust.

[Mike182]

Originally Posted by Feathers in Hair

I was thinking that it might be a universal wrong to hurt innocents, but when I think of it, I'm not sure if some societies see it that way.

that would also be problematic in defining an innocent.

are children innocent? most would say yes.
are embryos children? disagreement.
is abortion killing innocent children? disagreement.
do we as a society protect innocent children? disagreement, because we allow abortions.

so even if not harming innocents was a universal, non religious moral law, what constitutes as innocent is subject to culture and religion.