mor⋅al [adjective]
1. of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical.
2. expressing or conveying truths or counsel as to right conduct, as a speaker or a literary work; moralizing.
3. founded on the fundamental principles of right conduct rather than on legalities, enactment, or custom.
mor⋅al [noun]
1. the moral teaching or practical lesson contained in a fable, tale, experience, etc.
2. the embodiment or type of something.
3. morals, principles or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct.
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stand⋅ard [noun]
1. something considered by an authority or by general consent as a basis of comparison; an approved model.
2. a rule or principle that is used as a basis for judgment.
3. standards, those morals, ethics, habits, etc., established by authority, custom, or an individual as acceptable.
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If we allow the absence of a universal moral standard, we invite total chaos and anarchy. As was pointed out on another thread, all you have to do is look at the news to see that the world we live in is not subjected to a universal standard of morality.
To develop a universal moral standard, however, would require an entity that understands every aspect of human psyche, has the ability to calculate and consider infinite outcomes, and is essentially atemporal. Since that does not describe humans, is it possible to develop such a standard?
Who or what should be the ultimate authority?
The reason why Atheism exists is because they do not want to be bound by an outside influence. They would rather be bound to the influence of self. Atheists have no problem with the status quo... the lack of moral standards... because it leaves their options open to justify any action under the sun. They are incapable of defining specific standards.
Society in general contains several differing sects and cultures, each with their own sets of values and standards. To expect them to unify those standards is absurd since it will most certainly lead to war and further chaos.
What standard does that leave us, and how do we get everyone to follow it?
