[Liberator]

"The source [of moral code] is ourselves. Even people who believe in a religion, believe it because it feels right to them. This is the same for athiests. Athiests aren't given a moral code - they have to decide for themselves what they believe in and what is moral...I think people are capable of coming up with moral codes and rules without the help of a God. "

Couldn't "ourselves" be considered "inate"?

Wouldn't that logic lead to being "programmed" or "implantation" -- whatever moral code the psyche accepts as "truth"?

The metaphysical is just as real as the physical -- is it not? BOTH have had to be created by...someone OR some thing. WE are not our own creator in a physical sense, nor then mental.

I think it is possible that one of the survival traits that ended getting selected for was reciprocity - caring about one's fellow man. That would clearly be a strong survival trait and I can see how those without it would not have survived very long.

Again, the circle leads to WHO created those "traits" or "instincts"?

On the subject of "will," yes, that is "us" -- unquestionably our essense.

[JeffAtlanta]

Again, the circle leads to WHO created those "traits" or "instincts"?

As you mentioned, the evidence certainly points toward evolutionary factors. Most mammals live in societies - tigers and bears are some notable exceptions.

[Stone Mountain]

Couldn't "ourselves" be considered "inate"? Wouldn't that logic lead to being "programmed" or "implantation" -- whatever moral code the psyche accepts as "truth"?

Well, like I said in my last post, "I understand that you believe that for us to have come to this result, it would have to have been put there (or programmed) by a creator, but I don't share this conclusion. I think people are capable of coming up with moral codes and rules without the help of a God."

We'll probably just have to agree to disagree on this one - to me, the fact that we have these thoughts in no way implies that they were "programmed" by a higher being.

The metaphysical is just as real as the physical -- is it not? BOTH have had to be created by...someone OR some thing. WE are not our own creator in a physical sense, nor then mental.

No, but I believe that we create for ourselves the thoughts that we think.

Again, the circle leads to WHO created those "traits" or "instincts"?

Well, you think it's a "WHO" and I think it's a "WHAT!" : )