In pure atheism, how would society determine morality or law?
Your question seems to assume that morality or law is impossible to determine without basing your determination on some theology. This is a fallacious assumption. Our values and mores tend to come from the society around us. Even the “Godless Communism” of the USSR had morality and laws. The check on the balance of power (for those in power) that has always existed is civil revolt. Leaders are generally chosen, or rise from within, the society in question; therefore, their values and mores do not differ that much from the society. You can determine your laws from observing natural cause and effect. Action and reaction. Outlawing theft makes economic sense, as the motivation to produce in a capitalist society is driven by the accumulation of weath. Anyone can see the difference in economics of high crime versus low crime areas. Our love, affection, and sense of community around us leads us to value the life and welfare of those around us. We can value and respect the environment around
