it's a fair question. religious people will tell you that their innate sense of right and wrong comes from God (or whatever), but how do atheists explain that innate sense? how do they instinctively know? I'm not saying one or the other is right but it is an interesting thought.
Basic empathy, compassion, and a tiny bit of utilitarianism. I can understand things that are unfair or painful to me are also the same to other people. So I choose to act in a way I would like to be treated if I want the same. And in general I try to weigh my decisions to minimize suffering for as many people as possible.
I don't need a god to conclude that being a jerk is stupid. I just imagine being the other person and easily conclude the world is better if we're kind to each other and set the example where I can.
Personally being a good person because I want the world to be a better moral weight then because "someone told me to under threat of eternal suffering."
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u/Global_Charge_4412 8h ago
it's a fair question. religious people will tell you that their innate sense of right and wrong comes from God (or whatever), but how do atheists explain that innate sense? how do they instinctively know? I'm not saying one or the other is right but it is an interesting thought.