The Reality of Morality: Disproving Moral Nihilism Through Emotional and Evolved Foundations
One of the most persistent debates in philosophy and ethics concerns the existence and reality of moral absolutes. Moral realists argue that there are objective moral truths, while moral nihilists deny the existence of such absolutes. Given that:
Understanding Moral Realism and Moral Nihilism
Moral realists hold that moral truths exist independently of our beliefs or desires. In many cultures and societies, morals are defined and codified through laws and religious teachings. For instance, the very first chapter of the Bible in the Ten Commandments outlines ethical principles for ethical living. These commandments, rooted in religious texts, provide a framework for behavior that is considered morally obligatory and commendable.
Morality Through an Emotional Lens
Yet, morality is often perceived through an emotional lens rather than a purely logical one. Consider the case of a brother and sister who decide to have consensual and safe sex. When confronted with the question of whether such an act is moral or immoral, those who respond with "immoral" often do so based on instinct rather than reason. Their explanations, while trying to rationalize their response, often falter under the scrutiny of a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
The Evolutionary Basis of Morality
Our emotions are deeply rooted in evolutionary processes. They are the product of millions of years of survival strategies encoded into our genes. In social psychological terms, we are not merely social animals, but cultural animals. This means that our moral intuitions are not just a matter of personal preference, but are also encoded within our cultural narratives and social structures.
Moral Foundations Theory
To better understand the basis of our moral intuitions, we need to look at moral foundations theory. This theory, developed by scholars like Jonathan Haidt, identifies six fundamental moral foundations:
Care/Harm: This foundation is derived from our mammalian heritage and the desire to avoid harm. It underlies virtues of kindness and nurture. Fairness/Cheating: This foundation is linked to reciprocal altruism and the desire for justice and rights. Loyalty/Betrayal: This foundation is based on our tribal nature and the need for group loyalty. Authority/Subversion: This foundation is related to hierarchical social structures and respect for authority. Sanctity/Degradation: This foundation is rooted in the psychological reactions to disgust and contamination, underlying religious notions of purity. Liberty/Oppression: This foundation is about the resistance to domination and the desire for freedom.These six foundations together provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the diverse range of moral intuitions and values that exist across cultures and societies.
The Resilience of Moral Realism
Moral nihilism suggests that there are no objective moral truths, but given the profound impact that moral intuitions have on our behaviors and societal norms, it is clear that morality is both real and objectively real in the context of human cultures.
Western Liberal Perspectives
Western liberals often recognize only three of these foundations: care/harm, fairness/cheating, and liberty/oppression. Interestingly, classical liberals, or conservatives, recognize all six foundations. This broader recognition of moral truths suggests a more holistic and nuanced approach to understanding the complexities of human morality.
Conclusion
The debate between moral realism and moral nihilism is far from resolved. However, advances in the study of moral foundations theory provide strong evidence that morality is a construct based on evolutionary and cultural components, rather than an arbitrary and subjective construct. By understanding these foundations, we can better appreciate the complexity and richness of human moral intuitions.