Atheism Quote by Derek Parfit
““Disbelief in God, openly admitted by a majority, is a recent event, not yet completed. Because this event is so recent, Non-Religious Ethics is at a very early stage. We cannot yet predict whether, as in Mathematics, we will all reach agreement. Since we cannot know how Ethics will develop, it is not irrational to have high hopes.””
About This Quote
Source Book: On What Matters, Derek Parfit, 2011
Ethical frameworks without religious foundations are nascent; their future development is uncertain, yet hopeful.
In simple terms: Secular ethics are new and evolving.
Key Takeaway
Remain hopeful about ethical progress.
Themes
ethics
secularism
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- public policy
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
meta‑ethics
agreement theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Will secular ethics achieve universal agreement?
- What challenges hinder their development?
A Different Perspective
Predicting consensus may be premature.
![“While reasons are provided by the facts,...rationality...depends instead on our beliefs. [...] [I]f I believe falsely that my hotel is on fire, it may be rational for me to jump into the canal. But I have no reason to jump. I merely think I do. And, if some dangerous treatment would save your…” quote by Derek Parfit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ed/derek-parfit-38765_action_while-reasons-are-provided-by-the-facts_2530646.jpg)
