Albert Einstein once said, 'A man's ethical behaviour should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.'
Hmm. While I agree that ethics and religion are separate from each other, I am not sure of the rest of society (or at least a sizeable portion of it) would agree with me. How often do we read otherwise in the newspaper? The 10 Commandments have been used as a basis for many ethical arguments, as it seems to be a solid foundation for correct social behavour. That being said, socially correct behaviour does not always equal ethical behaviour. One could potentially live their entire life by the 10 commandments but not live ethically depending on the situation.
Take the concept of truth for example. Truth itself is defined as many different things all of which boil down to one aspect: an undisputed and accepted fact. Does that mean that as soon as someone challenges a previously undisputed fact it is no longer true? No wonder people have such difficulties with telling the truth; it is completely and utterly open to each individual's interpretation.
Ethics are similar in nature to truth in that it is open to interpretation and subject to discussion. What I feel is unethical behaviour might be completely acceptable to another; it's all in how the individual sees the situation. Personal values come into play along with morals the deeper you go. More neutral areas.
Each person is their own mini-society and they rule their own society as they see fit. Once they enter a social situation however, they are expected to comply with a series of social rules. Should they decide to not follow those rules, they are shunned and in some cases punished. Does that mean their behaviour is wrong? I don't think so; I think it means that those people are viewed as a threat to the carefully structured social hive that most people adhere to and that's why they are treated like outcasts. Ethics and social structure are linked; you cannot have one without the other. As long as there are people, there will be ethical dilemmas and social awkwardness.
Pardon the meandering; I have had these thoughts in my head for a little while now and each time I open my mouth to voice them I am greeted with blank stares and snickers. Part of my reason for having a blog is so that I can avoid the snickering.
Anyway, Einstein had it right. Religion and ethics should not mix. Just like Jack Daniel's and banana liquer.
1 comment:
...And this is why the actions of Christians have always smelled funny. How can there be true altruism when actions are informed by fear of holy retribution and hope of eternal reward?
Ethics are based on an agreement about what is right and what is wrong. The problem in my view is not and has never been about finding that agreement; it has ever been about living up to the implications of that agreement. And therein lies the Sisyphean task any thinking person faces...
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