Philosophers and scientists have various arguments about the role of philosophy and science when answering moral questions. Laurence Krauss and Julian Baggini agreed that homosexuality is not immoral although their premises on the issue differ. Whereas Krauss relies on science to prove the morality of homosexuality, Baggini criticizes it because science is insufficient the supposed immorality (Baggini & Krauss, 2012). Although Baggini supported the argument, he further pointed out that discoveries made through science based on natural disposition do not determine whether the actions are moral or immoral.
According to Baggini, homosexuality is acceptable morally but not solely based on scientific reasons. Baggini used the example of rape to support his argument by explaining how rape is seen by some to be natural and have evolutionary advantages, yet this did not make it ethical or right (Baggini & Krauss, 2012). Therefore, science can help in explaining the nature of various sexual behaviors but fall short of defining the moral principals influencing their occurrence. The same applies to homosexuality where personal choices cannot be considered as wholly immoral because an individual may have been exposed and forced to adapt into without their desires.
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The same arguments have been made about infidelity, but science does not make specific conclusions that can help in addressing the question. Science explains extensively about the nature of specific sexual attitudes, which can be used to define the moral standards of a society. Such explanations based on science do not help in determining the conclusion about the matter in question (Baggini & Krauss, 2012). Baggini concluded that it is important to determine a clear stand about the application of science when addressing moral and immoral questions in the society because science does not explain the ‘how’ and ‘why’ aspects of human actions. Baggini shows that science relies on material evidence, which is not the case with human actions driving people to commit rape or infidelity. Overall, despite Baggini’s Skepticism on the role of science in helping us understand morality, Krauss is optimistic that it will help one day in resolving such dilemmas.
Reference
Baggini J. & Krauss, L. (2012). Philosophy v science: which can answer the big questions of life?. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/sep/09/science-philosophy-debate-julian-baggini-lawrence-krauss
