Absolute morality,and other fairy tales.

I have been hearing a lot of the word absolute lately, to the point that when I hear the word and it does not refer to Vodka I assume the person is trying to sell me some snake oil. The first is when someone says absolute truth, I know they are setting up something, recently that something is some variation on the transcendental argument. However this is pure nonsense. Absolute is an invalid premise regarding truth in a discussion of logic, because it implies that there are degrees of truth which is in violation of the law of the excluded middle. Another proof that absolute is a fallacious qualifier would be as follows. Define a proposition as P that proposition is true if P=T if P is not equal to T then the proposition is false. If we add the qualifier absolute to the value of true we end up with P=T+A since P is only true if it equals T then for P to be true the value of A must be zero. So a proposition can only be absolutely true if the qualifier absolutely has no value in which case it is unnecessary. If on the other hand the qualifier absolute has meaning then A has a value greater than zero and P=T+A is false because P does not equal T. So an Absolute truth is either simply true or it is false.

The one I am currently debunking is absolute morality. I find this to be the worst offender because it is always a wind up for some apologetics where anyone who doesn't believe in whatever god is being peddled must rape and eat children. The problem again is the concept of absolute but also the description of morality as laws. Morality is no such thing, there is no one transcendental morality, what there are are systems or codes. There is also no absolute right or wrong. These are fine for a casual discussion and we all know what is in general meant, but for the purposes of logical proof the correct terminology would be consistent or inconsistent.

The moralists argument would go something like this, Do you believe in absolute moral laws. If you say yes they go on to make a case that some magical sky fairy or another has to be responsible for them. If you say no and that morals are subjective they will say something to the effect of "so if society decided that it were acceptable to rape and eat children then it would be right to do that?" some get more personal and say "since you don't believe in absolute moral laws then if you wanted to rape and eat children then there would be nothing wrong with that." Most people will try to explain that morality is a survival based system and that society does not in general condone that, and most try to explain that even if society said it was acceptable they would still find it wrong. However the apologist will start hammering away about "what absolute standard do you use to say it is wrong?" and such.

This is clearly skewed and dishonest but also hard to refute. It can be done with patience and a cool head but it is quite tough. The problem is that the apologist has framed the discussion by setting prejudicial terms. In an appropriate discussion one would say that they subscribe to a moral system or code(from here on I will say code) and that they are also bound by the moral system of their society(I will use system for societal morals). I could say that raping and eating children is inconsistent with both my moral code and the moral system of my society. If the question were asked "if society said that it was OK to rape and eat children then why would that be wrong" it would be a simple matter to state that in that case raping and eating children would be consistent with the moral system of society but still inconsistent with my personal moral code and I would not engage in it. It would also be perfectly acceptable to state that since my personal moral code takes precedence over the system of my society I would be compelled to oppose such behavior even at risk to myself. I would then ask if such behavior would become consistent with their moral code if it were sanctioned by society. They may respond, if they are clever, with "if your personal moral code takes precedence over societies system then why would you follow societies system at all." Since we have terms defined accurately it is easy to say, If my actions are inconsistent with societies moral system then there will be social consequences for violating those standards also depending on the actions there may be legal punishments as well, therefore the moral system of society enforces itself and I will only violate it if my personal code requires it to a degree that I am willing to accept the consequences. Also since the moral system of society is enforced through social pressure it reflects a consensus among the the personal codes of the members of that society, making situations where society condones an action that the majority find immoral to be uncommon. The moral system of a society typically reflects the moral codes of its members. Obviously there are exceptions, it is not uncommon for political or religious powers to be strong enough to enforce a system which does not reflect the moral codes of the citizenry. This is why it is important to first look to ones personal moral code, because the personal codes are what foster resistance and change, when enough people stand up for their personal codes then the system of society will change to reflect that either through accommodation, politics or revolution.

Regardless of what many people would wish morality is relative, it does change and adapt, and it is a human creation. There are certainly some constants, since we have evolved as social animals our instincts will lead us to favor behaviors which facilitate group survival. These behavioral preferences are reflected in our codes of morality. However these codes and systems still take a wide variety of forms. Those who argue against "moral relativism" are arguing against human nature. They may be able to make a case that it would be better if there were an absolute standard of morality, but they can not make a case that such a standard exists. Saying that we should believe in a deity because it would be better if one existed is in no way an argument as to whether it actually does exist or not.

A night at the museum, actually an afternoon.

I took the family to the art museum at our university yesterday. Actually they took me, my kids were performing in something called the Sunday of sound which is part of something called the world harmony project. At any rate after they finished with their singing, dancing and drumming I was not going to just go home and waste a chance to explore with the wife and kids.

The first gallery we visited was the one my children were performing in, the exhibit was called. ON THE ROAD Two Visions of the Tokaido. It featured wood block printings by two different artists, Hiroshige and Sekino. The prints all featured scenes from along the Tokaido which is a trade road between Tokyo and Kyoto. All of the prints were lovely and I had a great time watching my childrens reactions and explaining how wood block prints were made. My son was his usual inquisitive self, pointing out all of his favorites and asking endless questions, my daughter on the other hand was quiet and introspective. I did not get much response from her until we proceeded to the Chinese art exhibits. She was fascinated by the Treasure Wall which featured an assortment of pottery and sculpture from the time of the Quianlong Emperor. The treasures were definitely worthy of her interest. Exquisitely carved jade, meticulously detailed glazes on the pottery, beautiful Cobalt blue glass. I fell in love with it as much as she did. My son really liked the dragon sculptures, and a pair of wedding cups with lion carved handles.

After that there followed exhibits from many cultures including modern works. My favorite gallery however is the Russian religious Icons. The paintings of the haloed Jesus are perfectly executed and serene. I enjoy all sorts of religious art but I think it is only the Russians who truly make Christ beautiful. Seeing these wonderful paintings and sculptures reflecting a variety of religions and cultures, filled me with a great sense of contentment. Despite all of the harm and corruption that has been committed in the name of the gods man creates, a wealth of sublime beauty has come from it as well. It is times like this that I can almost feel why the believers want to believe so badly. It is hard to look at such subtle skill and realize that it is the work of mortal men and women, the work does inspire a feeling of transcendence. However it seems to me even more satisfying to see this as testimony to the greatness of our species rather than attribute it to the mythological figures being depicted.

Epicurus

I have been asked before about my philosophical influences and there are many, however the greatest of philosophers in my estimation is Epicurus, I have always tried to live according to Epicurian philosophy even before I knew what it was. The pursuit of justice and simple pleasures, security and freedom from pain as a natural good, the trust that knowledge can be gained through the senses, the realization that we need not fear death, these are all truths upon which I have based my life. The more I have read of Epicurus the more I have adopted it in my life.

While Epicurus is often associated with eating, and drinking and other pleasures, Epicurus was not completely a hedonist, to the contrary he believed that since fulfilling desire led to happiness and not doing so led to suffering then there were two strategies to follow either fulfill desires or eliminate them. He preferred the latter. It was his contention that desire should be pared down to a minimum that can be easily fulfilled. So yes good food and drink and other simple pleasures are very much in line with Epicurian philosophy, greed for these things is not. Any desire which becomes burdensome to fulfill needs to be eliminated. This is actually very similar to the second truth of Buddhism and Epicurus in some ways reflected a Buddhist like asceticism. It is of course pleasant to enjoy luxuries when available but to be come dependent or accustomed to such things leads to suffering when they can not be had and therefore that is to be avoided.

Epicurus also believed that happiness depended on having many virtues courage, moderation, knowledge, justice. However unlike other philosophers he saw these things as a means to an end rather than an end in and of themselves. They are valuable for the happiness that they help create and maintain. Even knowledge is seen as a means to an end, science is useful so that we can explain natural phenomena and eliminate the fear of gods, and philosophy is useful to dispel the fear of death.

Justice and friendship are also key to Epicurian philosophy, Epicurus is the first philosopher to give a well developed contractual definition of justice. At it's essence justice can be described as an agreement to not harm or be harmed. All laws should proceed from that basis. This lines up perfectly with my Libertarian ideas of the role of law. Epicurus deviates from pure utilitarianism regarding friendship proclaiming that a wise man would be willing to die for a friend. However in general his attitude is still that friendship is valuable because it is among the best ways to gain happiness.

Epicurus also reflects well upon my view of death, one shared by many atheists. He sums up the insignificance of death in the following ways.

1. Death is annihilation.
2. The living have not yet been annihilated (otherwise they wouldn't be alive).
3. Death does not affect the living. (from 1 and 2)
4. So, death is not bad for the living. (from 3)
5. For something to be bad for somebody, that person has to exist, at least.
6. The dead do not exist. (from 1)
7. Therefore, death is not bad for the dead. (from 5 and 6)
8. Therefore death is bad for neither the living nor the dead. (from 4 and 7)

He also said:
Anyone who fears death should consider the time before he was born. The past infinity of pre-natal non-existence is like the future infinity of post-mortem non-existence; it is as though nature has put up a mirror to let us see what our future non-existence will be like. But we do not consider not having existed for an eternity before our births to be a terrible thing; therefore, neither should we think not existing for an eternity after our deaths to be evil.

He regarded the fear of death and the fear of gods to be the greatest obstacles to happiness. This is also the position taken by many modern atheists.

Below I have included a number of quotes from Epicurus, this is hardly a complete representation of his work but it is a good sampling and will hopefully whet your appetite for further study of this great philosopher.

The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it.
Epicurus

A free life cannot acquire many possessions, because this is not easy to do without servility to mobs or monarchs.
Epicurus

Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist.
Epicurus

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
Epicurus

I have never wished to cater to the crowd; for what I know they do not approve, and what they approve I do not know.
Epicurus

I never desired to please the rabble. What pleased them, I did not learn; and what I knew was far removed from their understanding.
Epicurus

I would rather be first in a little Iberian village than second in Rome.
Epicurus

If God listened to the prayers of men, all men would quickly have perished: for they are forever praying for evil against one another.
Epicurus

If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.
Epicurus

It is better for you to be free of fear lying upon a pallet, than to have a golden couch and a rich table and be full of trouble.
Epicurus

It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself.
Epicurus

It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly. And it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living a pleasant life.
Epicurus

It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confidence of their help.
Epicurus

It is possible to provide security against other ills, but as far as death is concerned, we men live in a city without walls.
Epicurus

Justice... is a kind of compact not to harm or be harmed.
Epicurus

Misfortune seldom intrudes upon the wise man; his greatest and highest interests are directed by reason throughout the course of life.
Epicurus

Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.
Epicurus

Nothing is enough for the man to whom enough is too little.
Epicurus

Of all the things which wisdom provides to make us entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship.
Epicurus


Riches do not exhilarate us so much with their possession as they torment us with their loss.
Epicurus

Appreciating the glory of nature.

Today I find myself in Missoula Montana, on a business trip. I have to say the trip here was absolutely stunning. From the highway a person finds themselves confronted with one magnificent vista after another. Coming as I do from the most beautiful place on earth I had thought I was somewhat jaded about the beauty of nature. Northern California all along the coast down to the Bay area is magnificent, but I still found it no competition for Oregon. Washington particularly around the Sound is glorious, but I still prefer Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia, Nevada, all have amazing scenery but I was still faithful to my home as the pinnacle of what nature has to offer. I had not yet been to Montana. I would not go so far as to say Montana is more beautiful than my beloved Oregon, but I can't honestly say it isn't either. Oregon has a nicer climate and of course an ocean which are major advantages, but I do love mountains, and Montana is aptly named in that regard.

A very nice Christian lady recently invited me to appreciate the beauty of nature, and then try to not believe in God. I found this amusing because I have always felt the opposite. If I could think of the best way to convince someone that there is no God, it would be to show them the beautiiful things that inspire awe in me. Expansive mountain vistas, crystal clear streams tumbling over rocks, trees as tall as the sky, deep mountain lakes, rolling desert hills, the crash of the ocean on the rocks, the infinite expanse of the heavens. All of the Gods, myths and superstitions that people fill their lives with, are so small and petty by comparison.

How could a simple little tribal god like Yahwheh with his petty envy, and murderous temper tantrums and archaic taboos be the creator of such majesty. Religious people bandy about terms like omnipotent with no thought to what it implies. They apply the authorship of all the awesome complexity and power of the universe, to a character with less personal virtue, subtelty or intelligence than the average human.

Such a crude and vulgar entity is beneath even the most flawed of mankind, yet it is elevated to the status of all powerful and all knowing. If people would truly open their minds to the real wonder of the universe, they would see existence is greater than we are, and greater than the fantasies we construct to explain it.

I often hear the refrain that this or that law of physics or scientific theory could be wrong. I say, "so what?" Even if it is wrong, it is an act of learning. Through study we grow and advance and catch glimmers of the truth of the universe. Even if we are wrong nine times out of ten, every time we are right we gain a treasure more valuable than we could ever gain from the comforting and simple fiction of religion. Even if we are never correct, just the proccess of seeking is far more courageous and rewarding than, hiding behind the crude tribal myths of our ancestors.

Atheists are everywhere!

I really like my new job. It was not my preference, I am currently laid off from my normal work as a technician for an air conditioning contractor working construction, however it does have its perks. I travel constantly and am only home weekends. This is a mixed blessing. On the upside I get to stay in nice hotels and live on a per deim, I also get three weeks of bussmans holiday in Hawaii later this summer. Of course the downside is I miss my family intensely when I am gone.

However what I really like is the abundance of atheists. On my first trip, I got to know twelve people I was traveling with. Of them seven were atheists, three were agnostic, one was Buddhist and only one was Christian. This is a very comfortable ratio. On my most recent trip I was traveling with only two others and we were chatting away. The topic turned to religion. This is a little tense because I will never deny my atheism, but I am new to the company, and these were both management types. My fears were set at ease when one of the gentlemen said something to the effect of "well that about covers the whole range of religious possibilities." the other responded, "at least as far as Christian mythology goes anyway." Greatly relieved, I responded that "I know I am in good company when I hear the words Christian mythology" the rest of the trip was a pleasure with talk turning to all sorts of subjects. I found my coworkers fun and knowledgeable in many areas.

Since then I have only encountered three more Christians, only one of whom is evangelical. I have to say this is a nice change from my last job where nearly everyone followed some brand of cross kissing. I still have to say I prefer work boots and tools over slacks and tie, eventually I will get back to construction, however for now it is great fun traveling and socializing with a group of primarily non theists and heavily non Christians.

I have no idea why this particular job attracts non Christians so much. It is a bit quirky, a lot of travel, high pressure, odd schedules, a certain individuality and self motivation are necessary to do well. Perhaps these qualities in a job appeal more to rationalists. It could also be that it is a young crew. The vast majority are in their early twenties. Most of those who are older are forty or older. I have seen the statistics that sho young people being less religious than their elders. One study by a Christian survey company showed that less than one half of one percent of eighteen to twenty three year olds have what they call a biblical worldview. If this is the case I have high hopes for the future

Continued contemplation in the park. Thoughts about the rose garden.

I have always been saddened when I hear believers in the various christianities proclaim that the atheist "worldview" is sterile and without meaning. It is tragic that there exist a large group of people so desolate and void of self worth that they can not find some meaning in this wondrous life without having it provided for them by an imaginary god figure.

Today, as is my habit on brilliant and sun filled days, took my family for a walk in the park. Today our destination of choice was a small playground a few miles from our house. On the way is the rose garden. A magical place of lawns and mazes, arches and gazebos and a stunning array of all sorts of roses. My wife and children and I set to exploring. It was wonderful as usual, rich in perfume, blessed with hidden tunnels and of course ladybugs which are my six year olds favorite.

As we explored I noticed a small change from previous years. While still hardy and beautiful, many of the roses were weighted with dead blossoms, there were also vines less well shaped than before and bushes hanging in to paths that were once pristine. I commented on this to my wife who noted that the gardener who had taken care of them for as long as I can recall, had retired the previous season. She is friends with his wife and had mentioned his retirement before and I had forgotten.

This is what got me to thinking about meaning in life. One man tending a garden, had singlehandedly elevated the level of beauty in the world. His labors created joy for thousands of visitors and wonder for their children. This was simply by performing his job. In addition he is also a husband, father and grandfather. He has friends and interests. How could anyone call such a life meaningless.

This gardener is just one person in a city of a hundred thousand in a nation of millions in a world of billions. Every single one of these billions has the capacity to build meaning in their lives. Even the poor and oppressed can find meaning and purpose. We who live in a free and prosperous society are unlimited in how we can seek after meaning. It is my hope that when we as a society finally put religious superstition behind us, it will become the goal of humanity to liberate everyone to seek the meaning they wish to impart to their lives. I hope we will create a world where people have honest and meaningful work instead of grinding poverty. Where people will have the health and strength to pursue their dreams instead of hunger and disease. Where speaking ones mind and striving for purpose will be greeted with acceptance and admiration instead of oppression and cruelty. That would be a far greater accomplishment for our species than groveling before altars and glorifying non existent gods.

My favorite Christian apologist refutes evolution, describes Christian sex ed and sings a song for Ziggy

Unholy Trinity

See more at Atheist Cartoons

Theater review Momotaro

Sorry I have been lax about posting, I am doing a lot of traveling for work and am at the mercy of both work schedules and hotel WiFi. Prior to leaving on my current adventure into the desert of eastern Oregon I watched a Japanese language production of the fable of Momotaro the peach boy.

In this version of the tale a lonely elderly couple lived by a stream,while the grandmother was washing the laundry she saw something floating by. She fetched it in with a bamboo pole and found that it was a giant peach. She called out to the grandfather who was nearby harvesting grass. He came running with his great knife and was amazed by the peach. They decide to share the peach, however when the old man splits the peach they find, instead of a peach pit, a baby boy.

The old couple takes fine care of their young son and he grows to be a fine athlete and excells in all things. One day a group of oni (ogres) attack the nearby viliage and steal away the princess. Momotaro decides to go to the island of the evil oni and rescue her, and also bring home the legendary riches of the oni.

His parents send him off with the old mans grass knife and a bag of the old womans best dumplings. Along the way Momotaro encounters a dog, a monkey, and a parrot. All of them beg for dumplings and in the end agree to acompany him to the island to fight the oni. They finally reach the island and after a great battle the oni chieftan surrenders and Momotaro returns with the princess and the best treasures of the oni.

This classic fable was excellently performed by my sons kindergarden class. My son was the old grandfather. He really wanted to play the dog, but he soldiered on and gave an excellent performance. The production also included a very nice celebration dance and several singings of the Momotaro song.

Momotarō-san no uta (Momotarō's Song) 桃太郎さんの歌

Momotarō-san, momotarō-san (Momotarō, Momotarō) 桃太郎さん、桃太郎さん

Okoshi ni tsuketa kibidango (Those millet dumplings on your waist) お腰につけたきびだんご

Hitotsu watashi ni kudasai na? (Won't you give me one?) 一つ私に下さいな！

Agemashou, agemashou (I'll give you one, I'll give you one) あげましょう、あげましょう

Ima kara oni no seibatsu ni (From now, on a quest to conquer the ogres) 今から鬼の征伐に

Tsuite kuru nara agemashou (If you come with me, I'll give one to you) ついてくるならあげましょう
Momotarō-san no uta (Momotarō's Song) 桃太郎さんの歌

Momotarō-san, momotarō-san (Momotarō, Momotarō) 桃太郎さん、桃太郎さん

Okoshi ni tsuketa kibidango (Those millet dumplings on your waist) お腰につけたきびだんご

Hitotsu watashi ni kudasai na? (Won't you give me one?) 一つ私に下さいな！

Agemashou, agemashou (I'll give you one, I'll give you one) あげましょう、あげましょう

Ima kara oni no seibatsu ni (From now, on a quest to conquer the ogres) 今から鬼の征伐に

Tsuite kuru nara agemashou (If you come with me, I'll give one to you) ついてくるならあげましょう