Neurotransmitters and Absolute Morality

In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Neurotransmitters and Absolute Morality

Absolute morality refers to the belief that there are universal, objective moral principles that apply to all people, in all situations, regardless of cultural or historical context. In other words, absolute morality holds that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of any subjective opinions or situational factors.

Absolute morality is often contrasted with relativism, which argues that moral principles are subjective and culturally relative. For absolute moralists, ethical principles are based on fundamental truths or principles that exist independently of human opinion or culture.

Examples of absolute moral principles may include the belief that it is always wrong to kill an innocent person, or that it is always right, to tell the truth. These principles are seen as universally applicable and not subject to cultural or historical variation.

Examples of Absolute Morality

Here are a few additional examples of absolute moral principles:

The prohibition against rape:

We that sexual assault is always morally wrong, regardless of the circumstances. This principle is based on the idea that each person has the right to autonomy over their own body, and that non-consensual sexual contact violates that right.

The value of human life:

We believe that all human life is inherently valuable and that it is always wrong to intentionally take an innocent life. This principle is often used to argue against actions such as abortion, euthanasia and killing civilians in war.

The importance of honesty:

We believe that it is always morally right to tell the truth, even if doing so may be difficult or lead to negative consequences.

 

The principle of justice:

We believe that it is always morally right to treat people fairly and impartially and to ensure that each person receives what they are due. This principle is often used to argue for policies such as equal pay, due process in legal proceedings, and the protection of human rights.

The Quran and Absolute Morality

Islamic scholars and followers believe that the Quran promotes absolute morality. According to Islamic teachings, the Quran is considered the word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It is believed to contain universal moral principles that apply to all people, in all times and places.

The Quran lays out a moral framework that includes absolute moral principles, such as the prohibition of murder, theft, and adultery, as well as the obligation to be honest, just, and kind to others. These principles are seen as universal and not subject to cultural or historical variation.

Additionally, the Quran teaches that Allah has provided guidance for humanity through his prophets and messengers, who were sent to communicate his message and exemplify moral behavior. Muslims believe that the life of the Prophet Muhammad is a model of moral conduct and that his actions and teachings provide guidance for how to live a morally upright life.

However, it is important to note that there may be differences in interpretation among different Islamic scholars and communities regarding the specific moral principles taught in the Quran and how they should be applied in practice. Additionally, there may be differences of opinion regarding the relationship between absolute moral principles and the relative context of different situations.

Allah Almighty said:

And from among you there must be a class who invite people to all that is good and enjoin the doing of all that is right and forbid the doing of all that is wrong. It is they who will attain true success. [Quran, 3:104]

This verse is often interpreted by Islamic scholars as promoting absolute morality, in the sense that it encourages Muslims to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, based on a set of universal moral principles. Muslims are called upon to promote goodness and righteousness and to work towards establishing a just and ethical society.

The concept of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, known in Arabic as "Amr bil Ma'roof wa Nahi anil Munkar," is seen as an important principle in Islamic ethics, and is based on the belief that promoting virtue and preventing vice is a collective responsibility of all Muslims.

 

In Islamic teachings, Ma'aroof is often seen as promoting absolute morality, in the sense that it includes universal moral principles that are applicable to all people, in all situations. These principles are seen as grounded in the nature of God and his creation, and as reflecting his divine will and wisdom.

At the same time, the application of Ma'aroof may vary depending on cultural and historical context. For example, the specific ways in which people express kindness, generosity, and other virtuous behaviors may differ depending on cultural norms and expectations. Similarly, the way in which justice is administered may vary depending on the legal and political structures of a particular society.

Absolute Morality and Psychology

The majority of modern psychologists argue that morality is a universal and objective aspect of human nature and that there are certain moral principles that are universally valid and applicable to all cultures and individuals. They may see absolute morality as being grounded in human nature, and as reflecting fundamental principles of justice, fairness, and compassion that are essential for human flourishing. They may also argue that absolute morality is important for creating a sense of social cohesion and promoting pro-social behavior.

Neurotransmitters and Moral Behavior

There is some evidence to suggest that neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in the brain, may play a role in the cultivation of moral behavior, including absolute morality.

For example, research has shown that the neurotransmitter serotonin is involved in regulating mood, social behavior, and decision-making processes. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with impulsivity, aggression, and antisocial behavior, while higher levels of serotonin have been linked to prosocial behavior and moral judgment.

Other research has focused on the role of oxytocin, another neurotransmitter, in promoting social bonding and trust. Oxytocin has been shown to increase feelings of empathy and generosity and to promote cooperative behavior in social interactions.

Several studies have found that listening to music can activate the brain's reward system and increase dopamine release. For example, one study found that listening to pleasurable music led to increased dopamine release in the striatum, a region of the brain that is involved in reward processing. Another study found that music that was chosen by participants as highly enjoyable led to increased dopamine release in the amygdala and ventral striatum, two regions of the brain that are involved in emotional processing and reward.

Interestingly, research also suggests that the degree to which music is enjoyed may be related to the extent of dopamine release. In other words, the more pleasurable or enjoyable the music is to an individual, the more dopamine may be released in response to listening.

Many more studies suggest that moral behavior is directly influenced by neurotransmitters. Though some other factors may involve in shaping behavior, but neurotransmitters play a key role in shaping behavior. If neurotransmitters are universal then moral behavior must be universal. Consequently, absolute morality is directly linked with neurotransmitters.

Somebody can raise an objection, that if our behavior is influenced by inherent neurotransmitters, why we are accountable for our actions?

Actually, these are the levels of neurotransmitters that influence our behavior, not the presence of the chemicals alone. These levels are controlled by our actions. Islam, in addition to moral values, gives a system of life that regulates these neurotransmitters properly. If we follow, Islamic teachings we can easily regulate neurotransmitters in a healthy way.  Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj help regulate these chemicals in our brains.