Topic > Sam Harris' Science Analysis Can Answer Moral Questions

The concept of "don't lose your queen" is something to always consider when playing. Harris notes that sometimes the best move to make is to give up the Queen. With this example, the main idea he tries to convey is that sometimes there are exceptions to the rule, even in morality. However, this example may not be the best one to use (weakening his argument). He deduces what he believes and defines what is "good" in the game of chess. Consequently, insinuating the definition of morality. However, if you define the term “moral,” it is based on what a person's standard of behavior or belief is regarding what is acceptable to them. The best analogy in his speech is how we perceive primates, insects, and rocks. We give primates more moral recognition and more ethical obligations than other domains (insects and rocks). This is a factual statement that primates experience a wider range of emotions than insects and rocks, such as happiness and sadness. We treat them differently because they are more like us and we can empathize with those exact emotions. If there were new evidence indicating that insects and rocks can experience the same range of feelings, then that would change our moral view of such feelings.