Ethics applies primarily to human situations

In summary: I don't think that's a fair assessment. Faith is a trust in something or someone that is not tangible. It's not something that can be measured or disproven. I think that it's a good thing.
  • #36
Which in your opinion would be?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #37
Ethics would probably be created just because the strong would survive and then set up a code of conduct.
 
  • #38
raolduke said:
Without ethics then couldn't you say that Darwins theory would show its true colors?

Survival of the fittest can mean a lot of different things. "Fittest" doesn't alway imply brute strength or strength in numbers. It can mean "intellectual fitness" and the cunning tactics of survival that are spawned by that kind of strength.

I'd say that Darwin's Theory of Evolution is well supported by the development of ethics in human societies. Ethics evolved with humans as a survival tool for every civilization. Its fairly obvious that evolution passed along valuable tools, like the brain, to use in the survival of the species "competition".

You could be right in the sense that without ethics, our families, groups, societies, communities and civilizations would all collapse in disorder and disarray. But that would simply be a function of and more evidence of evolution itself.

Here's a thread on the PF where religion, morals and ethics are discussed as playing a large role in maintaining the longevity of civilizations.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1307391#post1307391
 
Last edited:
  • #39
I already agree with that. Its just to show that ethics can never be absolute. Not to say that you couldn't apply "ethical" to a properly working machine or system. This is just a little word fun but - Man vs. Machine, How would you explain society?. It works exactly how it wants (perfectly) with flaw.
 
  • #40
raolduke said:
I already agree with that. Its just to show that ethics can never be absolute. Not to say that you couldn't apply "ethical" to a properly working machine or system. This is just a little word fun but - Man vs. Machine, How would you explain society?. It works exactly how it wants (perfectly) with flaw.

It appears, after studying evolution, that it is the "flaws" that lead to new, better evolved strengths in life and in society. Since the Russian Holocaust of the Ukrainians (est. 12,000,000 killed) and the German Holocaust of the Hebrews (est. 6,000,000 killed) there have been fewer and less brutal "unethical" events such as those. (Now there is more sensitivity and caution used to stop such possible events). These flaws may have acted as a "wake up" call that helped steer the evolution of the human society in a direction of cooperative longevity. And that is all about survival.
 
Last edited:
  • #41
Wouldnt humanity be better off if, to say, Hitler did accomplish his goal. It wouldn't seem that great at first but it would turn out nicer. The problem with people is that they expect home-runs right off the bat.
 
  • #42
raolduke said:
Wouldnt humanity be better off if, to say, Hitler did accomplish his goal. It wouldn't seem that great at first but it would turn out nicer. The problem with people is that they expect home-runs right off the bat.

How would "it turn out nicer" according to your reasoning, if any?
 
  • #43
I am not to sure of Hitler’s theories, maybe you do, but population control means diversity would be eliminated. If the government was completely controlling (reference to Orwell inserted here) and if things ever degenerated to concepts like "newspeak" it would eliminate conversations like the one we are having now. We would be completely dull but in my opinion that wouldn't be such a bad thing.
To say that I am a sadist and I only practice my belief on people who feel pleasure from pain (masochists) - is there anything wrong with this?
 
  • #44
raolduke said:
I am not to sure of Hitler’s theories, maybe you do, but population control means diversity would be eliminated. If the government was completely controlling (reference to Orwell inserted here) and if things ever degenerated to concepts like "newspeak" it would eliminate conversations like the one we are having now. We would be completely dull but in my opinion that wouldn't be such a bad thing.
To say that I am a sadist and I only practice my belief on people who feel pleasure from pain (masochists) - is there anything wrong with this?

Hitler practiced his sadistic measures on non-consenting participants. Including homosexuals, sexual deviants, gypsies, Hebrews, Africans, resistance fighters (Dutch, Polacks, Russians, Communists, Democrats, and many others). He expected his staff to commit suicide with him (allegedly) in his Berlin bunker rather than give up to the allies. Many didn't and fled after he (allegedly) killed himself. Some have speculated that he escaped and survived to form Ikea in Sweden.

If you practice your sadistic pleasures in the same manner as Hitler, it is by every indication unethical and it won't last long because of reprisals and revenge seekers.
 
  • #45
raolduke, evolution or Darwin does not state that the strongest is the one that survives, it is the survival of the fittest, not strongest. Fittest in this concept is not the one that is the most well-trained individual, it just means that the individual best suited for survival will survive in a given environment. Evolution does not work towards a goal of better organisms on an absolute scale.
 
  • #46
Moridin said:
raolduke, evolution or Darwin does not state that the strongest is the one that survives, it is the survival of the fittest, not strongest. Fittest in this concept is not the one that is the most well-trained individual, it just means that the individual best suited for survival will survive in a given environment. Evolution does not work towards a goal of better organisms on an absolute scale.

This all seems true. Take the dinos again for example. These were demonstratively unethical creatures yet their species survived the rigors of living on this planet for over 300 million years. That's a long reign for any species. It was only until humans or their immediate anscestors were required to live cooperatively, in groups, in trees, on the savanah or on the beach that they somehow learned to develop an ethic.

What was it that brought about the development of ethics in groups of humans? Did they learn by trial and error? Was it a trait learned by example from other animals such as elephants or wolves?
 
<h2>1. What is the definition of ethics?</h2><p>Ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong that govern an individual's behavior and decision-making. It involves considering the moral implications of one's actions and making choices that align with one's values and beliefs.</p><h2>2. Why does ethics primarily apply to human situations?</h2><p>Ethics primarily applies to human situations because humans have the ability to reason and make conscious decisions based on moral principles. Animals, on the other hand, do not have the same level of cognitive abilities to understand and adhere to ethical standards.</p><h2>3. How do ethics impact society?</h2><p>Ethics play a crucial role in shaping societal norms and values. It helps to establish a moral code that guides individuals and groups in making responsible and ethical decisions. This, in turn, contributes to a more harmonious and just society.</p><h2>4. Can ethics be subjective?</h2><p>Yes, ethics can be subjective as it is influenced by an individual's personal beliefs, values, and cultural background. What one person considers ethical may not align with another person's perspective. However, there are also universal ethical principles that are widely accepted by society.</p><h2>5. How can we apply ethics in our daily lives?</h2><p>We can apply ethics in our daily lives by being mindful of our actions and their potential impact on others. This involves considering the consequences of our choices, treating others with respect and fairness, and upholding moral values such as honesty and integrity. It also involves being open to learning and reflecting on our ethical beliefs and behaviors.</p>

1. What is the definition of ethics?

Ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong that govern an individual's behavior and decision-making. It involves considering the moral implications of one's actions and making choices that align with one's values and beliefs.

2. Why does ethics primarily apply to human situations?

Ethics primarily applies to human situations because humans have the ability to reason and make conscious decisions based on moral principles. Animals, on the other hand, do not have the same level of cognitive abilities to understand and adhere to ethical standards.

3. How do ethics impact society?

Ethics play a crucial role in shaping societal norms and values. It helps to establish a moral code that guides individuals and groups in making responsible and ethical decisions. This, in turn, contributes to a more harmonious and just society.

4. Can ethics be subjective?

Yes, ethics can be subjective as it is influenced by an individual's personal beliefs, values, and cultural background. What one person considers ethical may not align with another person's perspective. However, there are also universal ethical principles that are widely accepted by society.

5. How can we apply ethics in our daily lives?

We can apply ethics in our daily lives by being mindful of our actions and their potential impact on others. This involves considering the consequences of our choices, treating others with respect and fairness, and upholding moral values such as honesty and integrity. It also involves being open to learning and reflecting on our ethical beliefs and behaviors.

Similar threads

Replies
86
Views
11K
  • General Discussion
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
6K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
6K
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
25
Views
140K
  • General Discussion
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
5
Views
3K
Back
Top