Questions About The Moral Arc: How Science Makes Us Better People

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How can Shermer and so many people naively believe that science is linked to or even can influence morality? Indirectly the Renaissance, directly the adaptation of middle class values (see Deirdre McCloskey "The Bourgeois Virtues) by the state are the real causes of the development of moral , democratic and plural liberal societies as we know them today. See also Hirschman "The Passions and the Interests"

Ryan Boissonneault It’s true, this does depend on how you want to define morality. I think a sensible definition of morality is behavior that tends to increase individua…moreIt’s true, this does depend on how you want to define morality. I think a sensible definition of morality is behavior that tends to increase individual human well-being and flourishing.

On this definition, it’s rather easy to see how science can influence morality. Some examples: the ability of modern medicine to reduce suffering and save lives; the eradication of diseases, like polio, through vaccination; the increased efficiency of agriculture to prevent mass starvation; psychotherapy and medication to cure depression; increased economic efficiency to increase wealth and leisure; communications technology to increase access to knowledge and education.

And, most importantly, the replacement of the religious justification for actions with rational justification that others can accept on its own terms. Science also promotes the skills in abstract thinking necessary to allow an individual to change perspectives and view behavior in terms of effects on the well-being of others. In other words, not believing that you have moral priority over others simply because you belong to a specific group, race, gender, nation, class, etc.

Of course, you can define morality as having nothing to do with human well-being, but that’s a rather hollow definition of morality.
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