Evolutionary ethics is problematic because its foundation is founded on
naturalism which believes that everything in the physical world is all that
exists. Evolutionary ethics seems like a contradictory statement because
morality is not something that is tangible but purely ideological. Although
morality can be expressed and manifested through actions, the actions
may be tangible, but the sentiment of morality is not. Those
manifestations of morality could just be interpreted as random actions
depending on who is witnessing them.
Robertson McQuilkin describes a flaw of evolutionary ethics, and it is due
to its moral ambiguity in that the concept of morality can be an illusion
due to humanity’s necessity of community.[1]'This notion describes that
the concept of ethics within a naturalist perspective may be irrelevant
because morality can be dismissed altogether because morality is not
expressed in any other context of nature. That opens a door for many
other problems because if morality (from the perspective of evolutionary
ethics) is not defined or recognized then atrocities may be condoned
towards the innocent.
Another aspect of evolutionary ethics that is flawed is the assumed value
of humanity that is contradictory to the basis of evolution and naturalism.
Mark Yarhouse states that “Morality and ethics derived from naturalism
tend to look to the consequences of actions.”[2]'Implying that the decision
to do right or wrong is not dependent on the value of the individual being
the recipient of the action but whether or not the one committing the
action will be punished or rewarded. It is these reasons that evolutionary
ethics should be rejected.
McQuilkin does not overstate the issues with evolutionary ethics but
expresses a compelling argument as to why it is not morality and
evolution is not cohesive. Evolutionary ethics is not compatible with the
belief in God because belief in God implies the placement of human
dignity within morality, while evolutionary ethics removes human dignity.
Belief in God (through the perspective of Christianity) places humans as
beings created in the image of God while evolution portrays humans as
merely descendants of animals. It is through the degradation of humanity
where the understanding of right and wrong is skewed because there is
nothing stopping the hurting of another except the repercussions that
may follow.
'
[1]'Robertson McQuilkin.'An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the
Way of Wisdom. (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press. 2017) 180
[2]'Mark Yarhouse and Erica S.N. Tan.'Sexuality and Sex Therapy: A
Comprehensive Christian Appraisal."(Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2014) 15
