Science and Morality - What can science tell us about our morals

With the ethos of Respecting the Person, whilst Challenging the Idea, we'll be discussing questions, thoughts and opinions that arise for us around the following episode:

Science and Morality from June 2011:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011jv8m

Blurb from the Beeb - written by the BBC at the time of the show:

You wouldn't have thought that a book on the latest discoveries in the science of human behaviour would be high on the reading lists of politicians, but think again.

David Brooks' The Social Animal is required reading for politicians on both sides of the Atlantic. When he visited the UK a couple of weeks ago he had meetings with both the Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.

Politicians, it seems, are increasingly turning to disciplines like neuroscience and evolutionary anthropology to understand why we do things, so they can better tailor and design policies that will work in the real world.

That all sounds very sensible, but how far should we take this new found enthusiasm for scientifically designed political policies?

As science increasingly begins to explain our behaviour it is also challenging our assumptions about moral and social values.

For millennia our moral reasoning has been guided by first principles - theology and philosophy.

Should we embrace rather than fear the knowledge science brings as it helps unravel some of morality's muddles that have so far defeated our greatest thinkers?

We almost un-questioningly accept that science can be used to improve our physical wellbeing, but why shouldn't it be used to make us better people? If neuroscience can change our understanding of human behaviour - and misbehaviour - why should it not be used to frame our laws, our ethics, our morality, to make the world a better place?

Combative, provocative and engaging debate chaired by David Aaronovitch with Claire Fox from the Institute of Ideas, the Catholic commentator Clifford Longley, neurobiologist Kenan Malik and Matthew Taylor Chief Executive of the RSA as the panel.

With Professor Joshua Green Director of the Moral Cognition Lab at Harvard University, Giles Fraser Canon Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral, Professor Gerry Coyne from the Dept of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago and Raymond Tallis retired Clinical Neuroscientist and Philosopher making up the 'witnesses'.

All roles were those held by the individuals at the time of broadcast - in 2011.

Our discussions do not need to be limited by or to the points raised within the show, but having listened to the differing opinions shared within the episode beforehand can be helpful to foster a thoughtful discussion.

Host or Publisher Edinburgh Moral Maze Discussion Group