Do Humanists believe in “the survival of the fittest” as a code of conduct?
No. Far from it. The phrase “survival of the fittest” is derived from the theory of evolution originally proposed by Charles Darwin. Humanists do believe that human beings, like every other living thing, evolved from simpler organisms; but the evolutionary process doesn’t of itself provide an ethical standard. Humanists share with most of the religions of the world a belief in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Notice that this rule doesn’t have anything to do with the existence or non-existence of supernatural beings. (A more complete statement of Humanist morality can be found in the work of the philosopher Immanuel Kant.
Related Questions
- Does the code of conduct required under the Mass. Rules follow the standards in the PhRMA and AdvaMed Codes for financial relationships with physicians?
- Who or which institution enforces the Code of Conduct and ensures its effectiveness?
- Do Humanists believe in "the survival of the fittest" as a code of conduct?
