The first source of criticism of "counter examples" (Hitler's 3rd reich) was admittedly the weakest argument. The following two are probably more convincing.

If Society is the only determinant of morality, then it follows that it IS an objective measure. Everything that your particular society dictates as morally required conduct is by definition correct. Disagree with any laws in the united states?

Furthermore, the mere fact that 2 societies disagree on morality, it doesn't follow that both are equally right on the issue. If two people argue that the world is flat, it doesn't follow that both are equally correct, it's either one or the other... of course that's assuming that morality is something objective.

And to your question of "If not society, then what is?"

My personal opinion on the matter is that morality is subjectively determined... it's essentially a mental construct influenced by other factors... like society/consequences of the act/evolution/etc. I agree with you, without humans, any there wouldn't be any concept of morality.

• Re: I'm not sure where i mislead you - stormcrow - January 19, 2001 - 04:10 UTC
  • sleep really is an underrated pleasure - tenacious - January 19, 2001 - 20:39 UTC
    • Allow me to clarify :) - stormcrow - January 20, 2001 - 01:50 UTC
      • I can dig it - tenacious - January 22, 2001 - 23:52 UTC