Not all scientists who study morality are as hostile to traditional sources as Peter Singer and Sam Harris. Writing in the New York Times, the distinguished primatologist Frans B. M. de Waal, says that human morality is just a more sophisticated and complex form of animal behaviour. Nonetheless, revolutionary changes are dangerous. All human societies have had religion and it is doubtful whether science would do a better job.

“The building blocks of morality are older than humanity, and … we do not need God to explain how we got where we are today. On the other hand, what would happen if we were able to excise religion from society? I doubt that science and the naturalistic worldview could fill the void and become an inspiration for the good. Any framework we develop to advocate a certain moral outlook is bound to produce its own list of principles, its own prophets, and attract its own devoted followers, so that it will soon look like any old religion.” ~ New York Times, Oct 17