I recently came across this well written, interesting article fromThe New York Times Opinion Page, by Frans de Waal Phd.  He notes a recent case of scientific misconduct by a researcher at Harvard and I would encourage all to read the linked stories regarding Dr Hauser's work relating to the origins of morality.The take away point in my mind is the scientific community is not infallible and corrective actions may take years or decades to occur.

 I think the section "The Atheist's Dilemma" is very pertinent for this forum and raises some valid points for consideration. I am in agreement with his interpretation (based on study of primate behavior) that "morality" has been part of the evolutionary process, that "God" is not necessary to explain "how we got where we are today".  The important question he raises however "What would happen if we were able to excise religion from society." should deserve further discussion on this forum.

  So I pose this question to the forum:

    "What would happen if we were able to excise religion from society?"

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.

com/2010/10/17/morals-without-god/