What makes something right or wrong? | Narrated by Stephen Fry ? | #ThatsHumanism (2014)

Summary

This script explores the nature of morality, contrasting religious and humanist perspectives. While some believe morality comes from divine commandments, humanists emphasize reasoning, empathy, and consideration of consequences in making moral decisions. It highlights the role of social instincts in shaping human behavior and the importance of kindness, respect, and responsibility toward others. Morality, according to this view, is a human creation, born out of our ability to live cooperatively in communities. The script also emphasizes that values like justice, fairness, and happiness are human inventions we strive to uphold.

Takeaways

• 😀 Morality is a subject of debate, with some believing in fixed, unchanging commandments, often derived from religious texts or authorities.
• 😀 Humanists reject divine commandments and focus on reason, empathy, and personal reflection to determine what is right or wrong.
• 😀 Humanists believe that morality is based on considering the effects of our actions on others' happiness or suffering, including both people and animals.
• 😀 Empathy, respect for others, and minimizing harm are central to a humanist approach to morality.
• 😀 Moral decisions should be based on careful consideration of the specific situation, not rigid adherence to rules or traditions.
• 😀 Humanist morality requires weighing evidence and considering the probable consequences of actions.
• 😀 Human morality is grounded in reason, experience, and empathy, not in tradition or religious authority.
• 😀 Most people practice morality instinctively, even without consciously thinking about it most of the time.
• 😀 Morality is a natural part of human beings, stemming from social instincts like affection and cooperation, observable in humans' closest animal relatives.
• 😀 Human morality has been refined over tens of thousands of years through communal living and shared experiences.
• 😀 Morality ultimately comes from human beings themselves, not from an external force like a god, and it is about goodwill, social responsibility, and kindness.

Q & A

What is the difference between a traditional view of morality and a humanist view?

The traditional view often relies on fixed commandments, usually based on religious texts or authorities, while a humanist view encourages individuals to think for themselves and make decisions based on reason, experience, empathy, and respect for others.

How do humanists determine what is morally right or wrong?

Humanists assess moral questions by considering the effects of their actions on the happiness or suffering of others, taking into account the particular situation, and weighing evidence about the probable consequences of their choices.

What role does empathy play in humanist morality?

Empathy is central to humanist morality as it helps individuals consider the feelings and well-being of others, guiding them toward the kindest and least harmful actions.

Do humanists rely on external authorities like gods for moral guidance?

No, humanists do not look to any god or external authority for moral rules. Instead, they rely on personal reasoning, experience, and respect for others.

How does humanist morality differ from traditional religious morality?

Humanist morality is based on personal reasoning and the effects of actions on others, whereas traditional religious morality often involves following commandments from religious texts or authorities, which are considered unchanging and divinely given.

How do social instincts contribute to human morality?

Social instincts like affection and cooperation are natural tendencies that help humans live in groups and thrive. These instincts form the basis of morality, as they promote social harmony and collective well-being.

What is the relationship between morality and human evolution?

Over tens of thousands of years, humans have developed and refined their moral understanding through experience, and these accumulated lessons have shaped the moral values we hold today.

Does morality come from an external source, such as a god?

According to the script, morality comes from human beings themselves, not from an external force like a god. It is rooted in human nature and social responsibility.

What values are considered human inventions in the context of morality?

Values such as freedom, justice, happiness, equality, and fairness are human inventions that form the foundation of our moral framework and guide our actions toward others.

How does human morality affect society?

Human morality encourages individuals to avoid selfishness and act with kindness and consideration toward others. It plays a crucial role in fostering social responsibility and positive interactions within communities.