William Search's theory of morality and existence proposes that the reason why humans exist is morality, and the evolution of moral values over time is intrinsically tied to our existence. In his books "Why" and "Conversations with chatGPT: Exploring the Theory of Morality and Existence," Search explores the ways in which morality has evolved throughout history and the factors that have influenced this evolution.
One significant development in the evolution of morality occurred in the 6th century BCE when societies in many parts of the world began to emphasize the importance of human rationality as the foundation for moral discussion. This shift occurred in Greece, Persia, India, and China, among other places, and it helped to shape the concept of human dignity and played a role in the evolution of moral values.
Prior to this time, moral values and principles were often tied to the structure of the community and were seen as fixed and unchanging. The idea that human beings have the capacity for rational thought and can use this capacity to determine moral truths was a new and revolutionary concept, and it had a profound impact on the evolution of moral values.
By looking to reason as a means of finding answers to moral questions, philosophers such as Socrates, Buddha, Confucius, and Mo Tzu helped to lay the groundwork for the development of more flexible and adaptable moral systems. This emphasis on human rationality also helped to shape the concept of human dignity, and it played a role in the evolution of moral values that recognize the inherent worth and value of every human being.
In the modern world, the emphasis on human rationality has continued to play a central role in moral thought. Many moral philosophers today still look to reason as a means of determining moral truths, and the idea of human dignity remains an important concept in moral discourse. The evolution of moral values over time has been shaped by many factors, including changing social and political conditions, advances in science and technology, and the development of new philosophical ideas. However, the emphasis on human rationality that emerged in the 6th century BCE continues to be an important influence on the way we think about morality today.
In conclusion, the evolution of morality is a complex and multifaceted process that has been influenced by many factors throughout history. The emphasis on human rationality that emerged in the 6th century BCE was a significant development that helped to shape the concept of human dignity and played a role in the evolution of moral values. By exploring the ways in which morality has evolved over time, we can gain a better understanding of our own moral values and principles, and the factors that have influenced their development.