There is plenty of proof from the animal world that pro-social behavior benefits the individual- it's why we see altruistic behavior in animals. This can actually be statistically measured.
"Unethical" behavior is not always "bad". Sometimes it promotes one's survival chances. Of course "unethical" tends to be culturally defined and can vary from culture to culture, but most societies have some basic rules in common, and one could speculate that those rules probably provide for a more smooth society, and for the greatest good for the greatest number, since social evolution is not always "fair" but tends to appear to be rather utilitarian. In other words, what works for humans is what they believe in, but I think what works for humans is probably first, and what they believe follows- in other words, belief follows function. That would account for the similarities in religions world wide (along with the wiring issue).
I don't think honesty is always the best policy. Try telling people what you REALLY think of them 24/7. I think you'll soon find out it is not always best. The most successful people are good social liars. There are studies on this if you care to look them up. I have no faith in the goodness of the human character, and no faith that badness necessarily leaves a scar. I think people may believe these things, but I think they could exist perfectly well if they did not, because I know that I do, and I know other people who do. |
