Morality Without God
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.5.9
Morality Without God
Some religious believers argue that without God there is no guidance for morality. But, there are some atheists that argue morality is possible without God.
Is morality possible without God?
- Some religious people argue that without God’s rules everything is permitted, and only the strong survive.
- But atheists do not accept this. Atheists argue that there can be other ways to decide on acceptable behaviour. There are a few famous examples of morality without God from philosophers.
Utilitarianism
- One theory on morality without God is utilitarianism.
- Utilitarianism is a philosophy on how we should decide what is moral (right and wrong).
- Utilitarianism says that everyone should try to act in a way that creates the most happiness for the greatest number of people.
- Utilitarians believe that ‘happiness’ is the one thing that human beings seek above all else.
Aristotle
- Another theory on morality without God comes from Aristotle, a Greek philosopher.
- Aristotle said that we can learn correct behaviour.
- He says correct behaviour is often the mean (average) between two extremes.
- For example, no one should be a coward or reckless. But courage is the virtue that lies between being reckless and being a coward.
Morality without God
- One problem with morality without God is that there is no consequence for bad behaviour.
- Religions often believe heaven and hell are places of reward or punishment.
- Atheists know they can be punished for breaking the law, but not for bad behaviour. But, the pain of guilt could be a punishment.
- This is highlighted by a philosophy called existentialism.
- If something a person does causes someone else to suffer, this can create painful emotions. This may cause the person to change their behaviour.
Test yourself on Morality Without God
For atheists, what is the source of punishment for bad behaviour?
What does utilitarianism aim to maximise?