Keith Swenson on Objective Morality

Ancient philosophers debated ethics and morality, which is the topic of how to live the right life (also called the good life or eudaimonia). Many of my non-religious friends struggle to understand what should be considered the source of morality. These are fine upstanding moral people. They understand what it means to be fair, good, and kind. They would not live their lives any other way. But they are not really sure where morals come from.

This talk will take the point of view that if moral truths are real, and they come neither from God, nor are they random. Moral behavior is as it is because of the form of human interaction with each other and with the world. Humans have learned how to behave morally through a self-reinforcing natural process that can be readily seen in the world once we know how to look for it. Moral guidelines are not an accident, nor are they commandments from the supernatural. Instead we can say succinctly: we discovered the best way to live because it is the best way to live.

Keith is a local resident of the Silicon Valley area and a long time attendee of the Humanist organization. After a career in software engineering, he focuses mainly on philosophy topics and runs a couple of websites on topics of philosophical interest. He has a degree in physics and in computer science from the University of California. In his spare time he likes to hike in the wilderness and plays in a classic rock band.

This event is hosted by the Humanist Community of Silicon Valley