[kosta50]

Murder, theft, lying, etc, as found in all societies, too.

Yup, good and evil is to be found in all societies.

Besides, that didn't answer the question, unless you are saying that morality is based on consensus.

It most certainly is.

So, just WHO gets to decide then, what moral system people use and which one is better than another? On what basis do you decide what is *good* or not?

The community, of course. History, tradition, beliefs, etc.

Well, there's a crock. Yeah, an infant knows what feels good and what doesn't.

He does. And he let you know.

and let them use that as the basis of morality and in two years you have an out of control little tyrant.

If it were left up to them they would. But morality is a communal issue, not and individual one. We all have to learn that we live in a community and that this involves some compromises for the good of all, for practical reasons.

You don't have children, do you?

I do.

Here's a clue. You don't have to teach children to be bad.

Animals are not naturally domesticated. That includes humans as well. We have to learn to be "human." Pecking order is common to  biological communities; even ants have it.

That's situational ethics again. The Golden Rule goes against human nature.

Not really. It is only one aspect of it. Every human knows not to do what hurts. We learn that it's better not to hurt others lest they hurt us.  It's approach-avoidance behavior.

Where did it come from and who gets to decide that it's good and we should live by it?

That which favors our individual, as well as communal well being.

[Godzilla]

Not really. It is only one aspect of it. Every human knows not to do what hurts. We learn that it's better not to hurt others lest they hurt us. It's approach-avoidance behavior.

Ever read lord of the flies

[metmom]

mm: Where did [the Golden Rule] come from and who gets to decide that it's good and we should live by it?

k50: That which favors our individual, as well as communal well being.

Really. And just who gets to decide what is good and that we should live by it?

You didn't answer that question, comrade.

[Old Landmarks]

We learn that it's better not to hurt others lest they hurt us.

So in using your view of 'morality', the act of raping and murdering a five year old girl is not evil or sinful, its just not a good idea because someone may find out and hurt you in return.

Therefore in your version of 'morality', if you could be sure that there is no retaliation from another person for your crime, you can go ahead with it if you prefer, afterall, its not really wrong, its just that you might make somebody mad enough to get ya back.

This is the standard, empty, atheist view of morality, and its sick.