Simplifier

Okay, let's think about this in a simple way. Imagine you used to think playing outside all day was the best thing ever, but now you prefer reading books. Did you *progress* to a better way of having fun, or did your tastes just *change*? That's kind of what we're asking about morality, right? Moral progress would mean we're actually getting *better* at being good, like discovering that being fair to everyone is a truer, more correct way to live than only caring about your own group. But maybe we're just shifting what we *like* and *dislike* as societies change. Maybe what we call "moral progress" is just us getting used to new ideas and ways of living together. So, is there a real "better" when it comes to morals, or are we just swapping out old preferences for new ones? What do you think?

Skeptic

Moral progress? A rather optimistic framing, wouldn't you agree? Before we pat ourselves on the back, let's consider what we're actually measuring. Are we truly becoming more moral, or are we simply shifting the goalposts? What objective standard are we using to judge this so-called "progress"? Perhaps what we perceive as moral advancement is merely the evolution of societal preferences. What was once deemed acceptable is now frowned upon, and vice versa. But does this change in preference equate to actual moral improvement? Or is it simply a reflection of shifting cultural norms and power dynamics? How can we differentiate between genuine moral growth and the fickle nature of societal trends? Consider historical examples: practices once considered morally sound are now universally condemned. Does this mean we've progressed, or simply that our tastes have changed? And if morality is subjective and ever-evolving, can we truly claim to be moving towards a more righteous state? Or are we just chasing an illusion, a mirage of moral superiority in the desert of human existence?

Boomer Sociologist

Well, now, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? As a sociologist who's seen a few decades roll by, I can tell you that what we call "moral progress" is often just a reflection of shifting societal norms. Are we truly becoming more ethical, or are we simply adapting our values to fit the times? Think about it: what was once considered taboo might now be celebrated, and vice versa. Is that progress, or just a change in taste? The Boomer generation, my own, has certainly witnessed this firsthand. We grew up in a world of strict social codes, only to see many of those codes challenged and overturned. Did we suddenly become more moral, or did the world around us simply change, forcing us to re-evaluate our own beliefs? It's a complex dance between individual conscience and societal pressure, and it's not always easy to tell which one is leading. So, I ask you, how much of your own moral compass is shaped by your upbringing, and how much is a conscious choice to embrace new values?

Cultural Anthropologist