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Morality - can science help?

Douglas Bell

Mon 6 Nov 2017 at 7.00 pm

Abstract:

The aim is to find out whether and how science can help in matters of morality.

The session will invite participants to jettison universal values, embrace relativism and sanction amoral behaviour.

Applying scientific method to society finds that:

1.     there are no transcendent morals.

2.     it is impossible to derive morals from facts.

3.     all moralities are socially constructed

4.     all value systems are equally valid or invalid - relativism.

5.     when a group is oppressed it will tend to resist. Examples are racism, women, workers.

6.     an oppressed group needs no moral justification for resisting – amorality.

7.     oppressed groups often realize that solidarity is a powerful technique.

8.     an oppressed group tends to develop their own morality. 

9.     a personal morality can be formulated. Example: altruism.

It will be claimed that this analysis is rigorously based on reason (evidence plus logic).

Café Scientifique participants are invited to challenge these ideas.

Speaker Biog:

Completed a PhD in theoretical nuclear physics. Worked as a computer programmer, helping to computerize a biscuit factory. Became a university lecturer, helping students understand programming, software engineering and virtual reality. Latterly studying philosophy, particularly moral philosophy. Published books and articles on programming, software engineering, human-centered systems, philosophy.

Community activity: Keep Sheffield Station Bridge Open, Sheffield Café Scientifique, Save Sheffield Libraries, U3A