Author and objectivist philosopher Andrew Bernstein challenges the conventional belief that morality can only be based in religious faith in an address at Lawrence University.
Bernstein presents “Religion vs. Morality” Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. in Riverview Lounge of the Lawrence Memorial Union. The event is free and open to the public.
The purpose of morality is widely viewed as a guide to human life on earth and that without a God no principles of right and wrong can exist. Bernstein counters that wisdom by suggesting religion is incapable of providing a basis for morality, arguing that human conduct requires a code of secularism, rationality, egoism and freedom. According to Bernstein, religious faith actually clashes with every principle of a proper moral code and as a result can only lead to hell on earth.
A senior writer for the Ayn Rand Institute, Bernstein is the author of several books, including “The Capitalist Manifesto: The Historic, Economic and Philosophic Case for Laissez-Faire,” and the 2002 novel “Heart of a Pagan.” He has taught philosophy at Marymount College, Hunter College, Long Island University and has held adjunct professor of philosophy positions at Pace University and at the State University of New York at Purchase. He earned his Ph.D. in philosophy at City University of New York.
