William Search's theory posits that the very existence of humanity is tied to morality and that moral values and principles have evolved over time in response to changing social and cultural conditions. In his books "Why" and "Conversations with chatGPT: Exploring the Theory of Morality and Existence," Search delves into 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 place a greater emphasis on human rationality as the foundation for moral discussion. Philosophers such as Socrates, Buddha, Confucius, and Mo Tzu looked to reason as a means of finding answers to moral questions, and this helped to lay the groundwork for the development of more flexible and adaptable moral systems in the modern world.
Before 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 emphasizing human rationality as the basis for moral discussion, these philosophers helped to shape the concept of human dignity, recognizing 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 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 changes in social and political conditions, scientific and technological advancements, and the development of new philosophical ideas. However, the emphasis on human rationality that emerged in the 6th century BCE remains a significant influence on the way we think about morality today.