Sarah asked:

I'm not a philosophy student, but I read this site with interest.

I was particularly intrigued with the notion that Atheists (I am one myself), see what God does as a
greater 'Good' for humanity. The idea appeals to me. However, in the religions that I am aware of and
included in the idea of Good, is the unacceptability of wantonness and hedonism.

For example, all cultures use a drug of some sort. Human beings, of all sexual orientation have
shown traits of promiscuity from the beginning of time. Why do we seek to eradicate this aspect of
ourselves; no religion in the western world has succeeded to my knowledge. Does philosophy seek to
think and reconcile this seemingly normal human behavior?

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The philosopher who might most interest you, then, would be Friedrich Nietzsche. He characterises
most religions as a product of 'herd mentality', which emphasises self denial and self inflicted pain. He
argues for a morality built on the 'will-to-power' — what he calls a 'master morality'.

Now, I would guess that you would be unlikely to go along with all that Nietzsche says, because
among the things he attacks are pity and feeling for others. Yet he does celebrate the 'life-affirming'
virtues, which would include the drug and sex related pleasures you mention. If you want to read
Nietzsche (and he is not an easy read, though he is very entertaining), then a good place to start
might be "The Genealogy of Morals".

Tim Sprod

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