Is Morality Ultimately Determined by Public Opinion?

Rob Weir’s example of a black boy being lynched by a white mob due to public opinion highlights a complex issue in the realm of ethics and morality. While such instances illustrate the diversity and malleability of morality, they do not necessarily imply that morality is ultimately determined by public opinion. This article explores the debate between those who believe morality is fundamentally shaped by societal norms and those who argue that it is rooted in genetic inheritance.

Public Opinion as Shaper of Morality

The notion that morality is determined by public opinion is not without merit. Each societal group has its own moral standards, which may differ significantly from one another. For instance, the morality of black teenagers might not align with that of white adults, let alone the nationwide white community. Over time, these moralities evolve and change, leading to the need for separate legal frameworks to maintain order.

When there is a significant disparity between legal standards and the prevailing public morality, there arises a tension that must be resolved through either a crackdown by the government or a change in the law. This highlights the dynamic and context-dependent nature of morality, which is closely tied to public opinion.

Social Adaptation and Genetic Inheritance

However, the assertion that morality is ultimately determined by public opinion overlooks the biological and genetic roots of morality. Just as our physical bodies are a product of genetic inheritance and evolution, our moral behavior is also shaped by biological inheritance. The idea that our bodies and social behavior are designed by local gods has been discredited by the theory of natural selection.

Throughout millions of years, the survival of our ancestors shaped our bodies and social norms, including morality. Our biological characteristics and social behaviors are the result of millions of years of adaptation under natural selection. Therefore, our current moral dispositions are a continuation of the adaptations that favored survival in the past. There is no valid alternative to the morality that has evolved over time, as it is rooted in our genetic inheritance.

The Role of Philosophy and Ethics

Philosophical debates and ethical investigations often aim to discover moral truths, but these pursuits are often seen as academic exercises rather than practical guides. The writings of philosophers like Aristotle, while influential, are often criticized for their lack of empirical basis. Mathematics in genetics, particularly the study of altruism, has provided insights into the biological underpinnings of moral behaviors.

The idea that ethics can be discovered through philosophical disputations is more of a make-work program for ethicists seeking academic careers than a rational basis for ethics and morality. The true foundation of morality is in our genetic and evolutionary history, which has shaped our moral instincts and behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while public opinion plays a significant role in shaping the morality of specific groups, it is not the ultimate determinant of morality. Morality is deeply rooted in our genetic inheritance and our evolutionary past, which have shaped our moral instincts through natural selection. This biological foundation is the true source of our moral behavior, and it provides a more stable and rational basis for understanding morality than ephemeral public opinion.