The Problem with Evolutionary Ethics
The problem with evolutionary ethics is that there is no depth to the argument of it. For
example, "some evolutionary ethicists emphasize that we think we have duties; however,
there is no real moral obligation behind those beliefs" [1]. Accordingly, the authors state that
a "duty" is basically the same thing as an "obligation" [2]. In my opinion, too many people
waste their time trying to justify their unbelief in things that actually do exist. In other words,
I have found that people will go to great lengths trying to argue the non-existence of God,
when in reality, it would be easier to admit that we have a purpose behind our decisions to act
in a moral and ethical way. Additionally, Kant even believed in God, but he failed to credit
God for our ethical decisions; instead, under his model, it is believed that people can be "just
fine without appealing to God" [3].+
According to McQuilkin and Copan, there are several reasons that evolutionary ethics is a
flawed model of morality and ethical standards. However, it is the existence of God that
changes the entire argument because through the existence of God, there is depth and value to
the idea of "human dignity and duty" [4]. So to answer the question of whether or not
Evolutionary Ethics is compatible with one's belief in God as the foundation for Ethics is
"no" simply based off of the idea that we don't have any real "moral obligation" to be ethical
and treat others with dignity. If that were the case, where did we learn dignified behavior?
How did we learn right or wrong?
Proponents of evolutionary ethics may argue that we learned socially acceptable behavior
from our elders, and in some cases, our peers. However, when we follow that chain of
command, it would originate with God as the supreme being. In other words, "our basic
moral awareness has a robust moral framework in a good, loving and just God" [5]. More
specifically, the biggest tenet to that argument is that God created us in His image (Genesis
1:27). He didn't create only believers in His image, but He also created unbelievers, which
explains how all of humankind exhibits Godly traits from time-to-time.+
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[1] Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan,+An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the
Way of Wisdom(Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2014), 180.
[2] Ibid., 179.+
[3] Ibid., 179.
[4] Ibid., 182.
[5] Ibid., 182.+
