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62. Exploring the Evolution of Morality: The Role of Science and Social Change

Updated: Mar 24, 2023

In his books "Why" and "Conversations with chatGPT: Exploring the Theory of Morality and Existence," William Search puts forth the theory that the reason why humans exist is morality. This theory suggests that our existence is intrinsically tied to our sense of morality and the evolution of moral values over time.


One philosopher who has contributed significantly to the study of morality is Sam Harris. According to Harris, moral values are essential facts about the world that can be studied by science, particularly by neuroscience. This belief could influence the changes in mortality over time by providing a scientific basis for evaluating moral beliefs and values. By using scientific methods to study moral questions, it may be possible to identify objective truths about what is right and wrong and to use this knowledge to guide the evolution of moral values over time.




Harris's approach to morality could potentially lead to a greater understanding of moral principles and a more consistent and rational approach to morality. By basing moral values on objective facts that can be studied scientifically, we may be able to develop a more universally agreed-upon set of moral principles that can be applied across different cultures and societies.



However, in the premodern world, morality was closely tied to the structure of the community, and this structure was seen as fixed and unchanging. Societies did change over time, but people did not typically believe that it was possible to deliberately bring about social change. This meant that moral values and principles were largely determined by the existing social structure, and they did not evolve or change in the same way that they do in modern societies.


In modern societies, on the other hand, people have a greater ability to bring about social change, and this has led to a greater degree of flexibility and evolution in moral values and principles. As we continue to evolve as a society, it is likely that our understanding of morality will also continue to evolve. By using science to study morality, we may be able to identify objective truths about what is right and wrong, and use this knowledge to guide the evolution of moral values over time.


In conclusion, the study of morality is a crucial component of understanding human existence. By studying morality scientifically, we may be able to develop a more universal set of moral principles that can be applied across different cultures and societies. This approach could lead to a greater degree of consistency and rationality in our moral values and principles, and help guide the evolution of morality over time.

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