The Scientific Basis of Morals, and Other Essays Viz.: Right and Wrong, The Ethics of Belief, The Ethics of Religion

"The Scientific Basis of Morals, and Other Essays" by William Kingdon Clifford is a thought-provoking exploration of ethics through a scientific lens. The collection of essays argues that morality stems from human experiences and the needs of communities, not just from religious rules. The author examines how our sense of right and wrong is shaped by both our own lives and the societies we live in, suggesting that moral guidelines should evolve through natural selection to help communities thrive. This involves a look at the connection between individual desires and a broader sense of responsibility to the community, proposing that personal morals should ultimately support the well-being of society as a whole.