The Nature of Atheist Morality: Selfish or Altruistic?

Let’s consider the claim that atheists are inherently selfish, a notion popularized by Richard Dawkins in his book "The Selfish Gene." For the sake of discussion, let’s accept that premise. If atheists are indeed selfish, they may choose to act kindly towards others with the expectation of receiving similar treatment in return.

Interestingly, this perspective aligns with biblical teachings as well. The principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated is echoed in various scriptures:

• "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31).
• "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).

This well-known principle, often referred to as the Golden Rule, can also be recognized as a form of reciprocal behavior in evolutionary biology—essentially a selfish strategy.

Similar sentiments can be found across multiple religious traditions:

• Islam: "None of you believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself." (An-Nawawi's Forty Hadith 13)
• Judaism: "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary." (Talmud, Shabbat 31a)
• Buddhism: "Do not hurt others in ways you yourself would find hurtful" (Udanavarga 5:18)
• Hinduism: "This is the sum of duty: do nothing to others that would cause you pain if done to you." (Mahabharata 5:117)

The universality of the Golden Rule suggests that it is a fundamental aspect of human nature, rather than a divine dictate. This principle is so pervasive that it is observed not just in humans but also in various animal species, including some bacteria.

The Concept of Selfishness in Moral Actions

In psychology, the idea of treating others well is often labeled as reciprocal altruism, which describes the mutual exchange of beneficial behaviors among individuals. Even animals that display selfish traits engage in this reciprocal altruism.

So, the question arises: Is the principle of treating others well rooted in divine instruction or animalistic behavior? Atheists recognize that this idea is an intrinsic part of human nature. In essence, religion did not create altruism; rather, it claimed ownership of an inherent trait of humanity.

The Evolutionary Perspective on Morality

Many religious teachings posit that our moral compass is a result of divine instruction, asserting that we behave well to avoid punishment or to earn rewards. However, scientific findings indicate that humans are born with an innate sense of morality. Children universally exhibit moral inclinations, and across cultures, there are fundamental principles of morality that align closely, reinforcing the notion that morality is an inherent human quality.

The evolutionary perspective on morality can be summarized as follows:

"In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…"

Matthew articulates that this concept encapsulates the essence of the Law and the Prophets, while the Torah claims, "That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary." Evolution further supports this notion, revealing that tit-for-tat behavior is observable across various species, including bacteria.

Children learn these moral lessons through play and interaction, which transcends cultural and religious boundaries. Just as bees and other insects exhibit cooperative behavior for survival, humans thrive as a species through collaboration, making us the most successful species on the planet.

Ultimately, the foundation of morality is rooted in biology, not theology.

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