Question

Do we need religion in order to have an objective basis for moral standards? In BIOL350 we considered that the answer to this question is no. Describe the reasoning behind this answer that was argued in BIOL350.

A) Religion is the only source of moral standards.
B) Morality is entirely subjective without religious influence.
C) Religious teachings dictate objective moral standards.
D) Objective morality can exist independently of religion.

Answer 1

BIOL350 suggests that objective moral standards can exist without religion, based on neuroscience and philosophical perspectives indicating that morality is rooted in brain functions, societal norms, and rational objectives.

Step-by-step explanation:

The premise of this discussion, embedded in the context of BIOL350, is whether an objective basis for moral standards can exist independently of religion. The perspective presented in BIOL350 posits that morality is not solely contingent on religious paradigms. Evidence from neuroscience suggests that moral cognition is rooted in the brain's physical structure and function, while cultural contexts provide a framework within which morality manifests.

Furthermore, philosophical analyses emphasize that moral standards might originate from diverse sources such as societal norms, rational deliberation, or the pursuit of specific ends or goals (telos). The critical argument suggested in BIOL350 aligns with the idea that objective morality can be discerned through secular means. This is supported by the facts that moral realists argue for certain moral facts that are objectively true, independent of divine commandments.