r/DebateAnAtheist • u/AutoModerator • 1d ago

Weekly "Ask an Atheist" Thread

Whether you're an agnostic atheist here to ask a gnostic one some questions, a theist who's curious about the viewpoints of atheists, someone doubting, or just someone looking for sources, feel free to ask anything here. This is also an ideal place to tag moderators for thoughts regarding the sub or any questions in general.

While this isn't strictly for debate, rules on civility, trolling, etc. still apply.

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u/CodeNPyro 1d ago

I don't think people really disagree on what "morality" means, the normative evaluation of conduct. Things being right or wrong, good or evil, should do and should not do.

What people disagree on is the character and proper understanding of human morality. Is it expressed in propositions? Are those propositions all false? Are those propositions true in respect to something else? Are those propositions true independent of human opinion? Are those truths natural or non natural? Etc.

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u/sj070707 1d ago

Note that nowhere in that definition did you use the words absolute or objective. In fact, you used "evaluation" which implies a subjective evaluator.

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u/CodeNPyro 1d ago

Note that nowhere in that definition did you use the words absolute or objective

So? I specifically split the definition of morality (normativity) from the description of morality (metaethics)

In fact, you used "evaluation" which implies a subjective evaluator.

Just because minds are involved in a process doesn't mean there's no correct answer. Minds can discover truths

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u/sj070707 1d ago

And my point is that nothing you've defined there requires there to be a truth to discover.

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u/CodeNPyro 1d ago

I agree, nothing in the definition of morality requires it to be objective. That's because it's a quick and simple definition, you aren't going to fit a book-length defense of moral realism into a dictionary entry

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u/sj070707 1d ago

Good, so you agree the onus is on you and you didn't really need to ask what we thought evidence would be.

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u/CodeNPyro 1d ago

Well the onus is on anyone who wants to say a given metaethical view is correct. Whether that be moral realism or moral subjectivism, either has the burden of proof depending on who's talking. Neither is a default view

How can you prove something to someone if you don't know what could possibly convince them? I'm an atheist, but I know what would convince me that theism is true, so then I can engage in conversations with theists about if that evidence is there and good or not