Café Inquiry (Online) – Where Does Morality Come From?

This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)

Some philosophers argue for the existence of an objective morality that is universal and exists independently of culture, upbringing or religion. Others argue that moral judgments are not objective truths but instead depend on human beliefs. Join us ONLINE as Café Inquiry looks at the various aspects of morality, its nature, how it came to be, and how we apply it.

For background, this article explores how human morality came to be. This video looks at the contrast between moral realism and moral anti-realism and describes 4 types of anti-realism. (Note – a previous link to an article about realism vs. anti-realism has gone defunct.) Three of the Mindscape podcasts from physicist/philosopher Sean M. Carroll explore certain aspects of morality. You can listen to them and/or read the transcripts. Or you can just show up. This one features philosopher Russ Shafer-Landau, a proponent of moral realism. Neuroscientist and professor of psychology Molly Crockett looks at the interaction of morality and psychology in this podcast. Finally, Joshua Greene discusses moral judgment and decision-making in this episode. We hope you can make it to what should be a very fun session!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.

Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.