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Author discusses failure of religion to derive morals
by Sarah Bayer
News | 2/5/08
Posted online at 3:37 AM EST on 2/5/08
Author Rebecca Goldstein argued that secular philosophy succeeds where religion fails to provide moral justification at an event last Thursday titled "Morality Without God?"
Brandeis Humanists sponsored the program, which was attended by about 60 students, in the Lurias room in the Hassenfeld Conference Center.
In her presentation, Goldstein criticized what she called "the presumed affinity between morality and religion." She attributed such evils as racism and genocide to a "factual error as to what constitutes personhood," saying it was similar to being deceived by an optical illusion. She asserted that those who believe in an omnipotent deity that permits human cruelty "don't do enough justice to the reality of suffering."
Goldstein described how she grew up "not really as a believing, but as a practicing Jew" and now considers herself an atheist. She argued that "we use our ethical intuitions in interpreting sacred texts" rather than derive moral lessons from those texts. She balked, however, at relying on science to formulate values.
"Just to give an evolutionary explanation is not to give a moral justification," she said.
Joyce Wang '10 and Tom Charging Hawk '10 founded Brandeis Humanists last semester, prompted by the notion that, according to Wang, "there is no secular community" on campus. Wang describes humanism as "atheism-plus," noting, "It's not just about the philosophy of nontheism, but also a philosophy of helping others for the greater good."
"In an era when religion dictates the public discourse, it is necessary to present the opposing viewpoint, one that is founded on reason and rationality," club member Jonah Cohen '10 said.
Attendee Alex Norris '11 said of Brandeis, "Despite the fact that we have a large Jewish population, it's very diverse in terms of what people think."
Brandeis Humanists Vice President Max Lewis '09 said the event's turnout "was very encouraging," noting that, "It's essential for both the religious and nonreligious to communicate, share ideas, have a dialogue."
Brandeis Humanists sponsored the program, which was attended by about 60 students, in the Lurias room in the Hassenfeld Conference Center.
In her presentation, Goldstein criticized what she called "the presumed affinity between morality and religion." She attributed such evils as racism and genocide to a "factual error as to what constitutes personhood," saying it was similar to being deceived by an optical illusion. She asserted that those who believe in an omnipotent deity that permits human cruelty "don't do enough justice to the reality of suffering."
Goldstein described how she grew up "not really as a believing, but as a practicing Jew" and now considers herself an atheist. She argued that "we use our ethical intuitions in interpreting sacred texts" rather than derive moral lessons from those texts. She balked, however, at relying on science to formulate values.
"Just to give an evolutionary explanation is not to give a moral justification," she said.
Joyce Wang '10 and Tom Charging Hawk '10 founded Brandeis Humanists last semester, prompted by the notion that, according to Wang, "there is no secular community" on campus. Wang describes humanism as "atheism-plus," noting, "It's not just about the philosophy of nontheism, but also a philosophy of helping others for the greater good."
"In an era when religion dictates the public discourse, it is necessary to present the opposing viewpoint, one that is founded on reason and rationality," club member Jonah Cohen '10 said.
Attendee Alex Norris '11 said of Brandeis, "Despite the fact that we have a large Jewish population, it's very diverse in terms of what people think."
Brandeis Humanists Vice President Max Lewis '09 said the event's turnout "was very encouraging," noting that, "It's essential for both the religious and nonreligious to communicate, share ideas, have a dialogue."
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