Why not be a psychopath?
Those who believe there's no basis for ethics without a god, or at least a religion, can't see there's a downside to violating others absent a supernatural referee.
I understand why they might feel that way. It's the same sort of thinking behind acceptance of government courts and police. Why not be a thug if no one is looking over your shoulder and holding you accountable?
If there is no one keeping cosmic score, why not just go through life using other people as you see fit? A completely "me first" attitude in everything?
Because while it often works as a short-term strategy, it falls apart in the long-term. Living this way is unsustainable. In fact, governing is the only way to survive such a strategy beyond the short-term. Live completely free of regard for others, on your own, and you're soon dead. Not only will people defend themselves from you, not only will people soon refuse to deal with you in any way, but other people will adopt your strategy and use it against you. Society beyond the rudimentary would be impossible. This life plan is self-defeating.
Ethics is a real thing and doesn't require a god or State to enforce it. It arises spontaneously out of living among other humans who have the same needs, desires, and feelings as you do. Your behavior has consequences.
Nothing's perfect-- some people will always seem to get away with crimes against others-- neither god nor government will change that. In fact, government makes it more likely that they will get away with it longer than otherwise. Government protects the bad guys from the consequences of their behavior much more than it protects the innocent. It always has and always will.
This illustrates why government-- the State-- is the opposite of society, not a synonym.
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Thanks for this great topic.
It is certain that when a person is applauded by the teachings of his religion of ethics and committed to them, he is valid in society
Some people believe in God and believe in many people of God. The only difference between them is lack of understanding. God can not be too much of a God is one God This is the belief that this is the belief.
I was an atheist but a frd of mine said to believe in God for very few days and I just accepted that and after few days I started seeing changes in my life.... If you have bad days it doesn't means only then you think of God. Even if you pray for 10 min it brings a lot of positive vibes in you
I don't know how to believe something I don't believe. I could fake it, but that wouldn't be true belief. But whatever works for you.
It is just your psychology that how you think of you think god is there and you believe in him then you will feel that yes it is true if you don't believe then how many miracles happen you will not believe in him
Yes this is so true Ethics is a real thing and doesn't require a god or State to enforce it. If you have morals you don't require a governing body over you, you have your own set of rules and regulations which does not requires approval from others.
In the past we have had lists of serial killers and murderous monsters (men, women and children). This list looks at murderers who are less well known but equally evil in their psychopathic lust for blood. Two entries have previously appeared on Listverse but in a different context and long ago @dullhawk
Good one&thanks @dullhawk for post
So one idea is that government is to protect us from bad people..... Who protects us from the bad people that make up the government.... Or the corporations that seem like they actually control the government?
It's another reason why I grow increasingly inspired by anarchy.