"BTW why would an atheist think infanticide is immoral?"
Firstly, it has nothing to do with atheism. An atheist is not by definition rational, so not believing in God is insufficient in and of itself to presuppose a rational position on moral questions. Do you understand that? OK. Lets move along.
Everyone wants to be happy and reason tells us that happiness is best achieved when we exercise a certain respect for the values of life and for the autonomy of individuals--otherwise often referred to as human rights and freedoms. Because we require these rights and freedoms for our own safety and happiness, rational self interest motivates us to fight for these rights for all people. Because I rely and depend on the safety, the happiness, the well being, and the cooperation of others for my safety, my happiness, and my well being.
In addition to that, all humans (or at least most) have a natural compassion for life and a recognition of the interrelationship and interdependence of all life, so it only behooves us to correctly channel this compassion through reason.
Above all, we ought to avoid placing our moral interests at the service of tribal "group-isms" (that isolate and divide humanity) and that have special knowledge from a special place and special people to do "God's" work--whatever these sorry people determine that to be from time to time and from sect to sect. |
