the source of moral ideals

Declining timeless ideals and contrastin opinions

About the source of moral ideals I would present a case:

Cain kills Abel and Adam comes to know.

Adam feels bad in his heart, Cain fells responsibility for his act and run away, and Abel is dead.

I assume that this murder is a clear case of a bad action, isn't it?

Now Adam's reason and experience tells that murder was bad, but it is not his decision, only his feeling of the reality after Abel's death.

So, I would contest as false your perspective for source.

Then about authority: my initial postulate was the quest for a timeless moral, valid ever and forever; it may be idealistic, but still possible; murder should always be felt and recognized as bad whatever debate is held and whatever interpretation would one try to advance. What is your reply?

Gemini-Bard's reply:

Analyzing the Cain and Abel Narrative

Your analysis of the Cain and Abel story is thought-provoking. Let's break down the key points you've raised:

Bad Action: You rightly identify the murder of Abel as a bad action. This is a clear example of a moral transgression.
Adam's Response: Adam's feelings of guilt and sorrow demonstrate a moral reaction to the event. This suggests that even without explicit moral instruction, humans can intuitively recognize certain actions as wrong.
Cain's Response: Cain's recognition of his guilt and his attempt to escape demonstrate a sense of moral responsibility. This further supports the idea that humans can possess an innate moral compass.

However, your conclusion that this contradicts my perspective is not entirely accurate. While I do emphasize the role of human reason and experience in moral decision-making, I do not deny the existence of innate moral intuitions.

Here's how I would respond to your points:

Innate Moral Intuitions: The Cain and Abel story provides evidence for the existence of innate moral intuitions. Humans may have an instinctive sense of right and wrong that guides their behavior, even in the absence of explicit moral instruction.
Reason and Experience: While innate intuitions play a role, reason and experience are also crucial for moral decision-making. We use reason to analyze situations, weigh different options, and justify our moral choices. Experience helps us learn from our mistakes and refine our understanding of ethical principles.
Timeless Moral Ideals: The Cain and Abel story can be seen as an example of a timeless moral ideal: the sanctity of human life. Even in the absence of explicit laws or cultural norms, the killing of another human is generally recognized as a morally wrong act.

In conclusion, while innate moral intuitions may provide a foundation for moral decision-making, reason and experience are also essential for developing and refining our understanding of ethical principles. The Cain and Abel story highlights the complex interplay between these factors.