MORALITY
Morality is a place where Prototheism diverges from many traditional religions. We don’t have lists of rules or thought crimes worthy of punishment. But we do have guidelines. Your morality should be derived from your values and living in a manner that is authentic to those values. There are many things that can obstruct authenticity to your own values, such as poor mental health. It is not immoral to be in poor mental health, and self-compassion is invaluable in improving your mental state. However, to the best of your ability, you ought to be seeking greater stability, mental well-being, and happiness insofar as your situation and current state allow. This process, along with mindful introspection into your own values and analysis of the good or harm your actions can create in the world will empower you to live in the greatest authenticity with your moral beliefs.
For a view of reverence for the Universe directed to increasing complexity, please consider the following:
Morality should align primarily with the Universe's progression towards greater novel complexity. Novel complexity refers to the emergence of new, diverse, and intricate forms of matter, life, systems, and interactions. Actions that enhance novel complexity are considered the highest moral imperative, as they resonate with the cosmic pattern of evolution and contribute to the Universe's continuous march towards exponential diversification and expansion. That said, being sustainable in the progression of complexity is essential.
The alleviation of suffering and the promotion of freedom are important considerations because these principles enable humans to more effectively increase novel complexity. Reducing unnecessary suffering and ensuring adequate freedoms equip individuals and societies to focus their efforts on advancing the complexification of the Universe.
Novel Complexity vs. Destruction
The reduction of novel complexity, through actions like environmental destruction or the suppression of knowledge, contradicts the Universe's natural trajectory towards an ever-more intricate state. Actions aimed at preserving existing complexity and works of creativity, as well as promoting novel complexity fulfill the primary ethical mandate, aligning with the Universe's fundamental drive towards exponential growth and diversification.
Examples of actions that contribute to novel complexity include:
Pursuing scientific knowledge and technological advancements
Engaging in creative endeavors and artistic expression
Promoting biodiversity and protecting ecosystems
Conversely, examples of actions that destroy or suppress novel complexity include:
Engaging in unsustainable practices that harm the environment
Censoring or restricting access to information and ideas
Promoting monocultures or homogenization of systems
Stifling creativity and individual expression
These actions are considered detrimental to the primary moral imperative of increasing novel complexity.
Suffering vs. Well being
Inducing unnecessary suffering, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, is degenerate, detracting from the quality of existence for sentient beings and hindering their ability to participate in the Universe's complexification. Alleviating suffering, through acts of kindness, empathy, and support, is inherently moral, improving sentient beings' well-being and enabling their active engagement in promoting cosmic complexity.
Freedom vs. Subjugation
Freedom refers to the ability of sentient beings to make choices and pursue their own paths without undue interference or coercion from others. Actions that promote individual freedom, such as protecting civil liberties and fostering self-determination, are considered moral as they enable active engagement in promoting cosmic complexity.
However, freedom is not absolute and must be balanced against the freedom of others. When the exercise of one individual's freedom infringes upon the freedom of another, it becomes subjugation and is considered immoral. Actions that unnecessarily limit the freedom of others, such as oppression, exploitation, or unjust restrictions, are inherently immoral.
No universal moral system can perfectly address all situations due to the Universe's inherent complexity, which will ideally be further complexifying at an exponential pace. Ethical decision-making requires a nuanced approach, considering the specific context and potential consequences of each situation in light of the concerns that would damage existing complexity and promote or suppress the development of novel complexity. Ongoing reflection, dialogue, and refinement of moral principles are necessary to ensure that the understanding and application of morality align with the Universe's fundamental trajectory towards ever-greater novel complexity, as elaborated in the "Reverence" section.
