Mechanistic explanations for why people do things are unsatisfactory. It is true that every action has antecedent conditions that influence the action and that most human conduct can be perceived as an attempt to acquire rewards or pleasure, to avoid pain, or to meet some need. Such drives are diminished when rewards are achieved, when threats are diminished, or when needs are satisfied. None of this, however, explains why in the absence of reward/punishment systems human beings seek new challenges, explore interests, accept risks to investigate when curious, seek knowledge for the sake of personal competency. Nor does it explain why, gaining knowledge or resolving curiousity does not satisfy the drive for knowledge or the quest to discover more and effect greater skill. It is our nature to engage in endeavor which increases our effectance, confidence, competence and sense of mastery in our circumstance; In some cases even as corrupt and insidious expressions.
I see no more benefit in 'doing away' with God, than I see a benefit in using religion as a crutch being used to smack people down. |
