Kurtz, Paul,

Can the Sciences Help Us to Make Wise Ethical Judgments?. Paul Kurtz. - Skeptical Inquirer, 2004. - SIRS Enduring Issues 2005. Article 20, Human Relations, 1522-3248; .

Articles Contained in SIRS Enduring Issues 2005. Originally Published: Can the Sciences Help Us to Make Wise Ethical Judgments?, Sept./Oct. 2004; pp. 18-24.

"Can science and reason be used to develop ethical judgments? Many theists claim that without religions foundations, 'anything goes,' and social chaos will ensue. Scientific naturalists believe that secular societies already have developed responsible ethical norms and that science and reason have helped us to solve moral dilemmas. How and in what sense this occurs are vital issues that need to be discussed in contemporary society, for this may very well be the hottest issue of the twenty-first century." (SKEPTICAL INQUIRER) The author discusses the relationship between science and ethics and argues that "when our ethical judgments are based on rational and scientific inquiry, they are more apt to express the highest reaches of excellence and nobility and of civilized human conduct."

1522-3248;


Ethical problems
Ethics
Inquiry (Theory of knowledge)
Judgment (Ethics)
Reason
Science--Moral and ethical aspects
Science--Social aspects
Values

AC1.S5

050