These simple insights provide real, good guidance.

Embracing these insights can provide helpful guidance.

Reality Exists—If you doubt this, perhaps a slap in the face can be a useful reminder.

Truth corresponds to reality.

Beliefs are what we hold to be true.

We choose our beliefs. We can choose true beliefs.

Untrue beliefs are more likely to be harmful than true beliefs.^[1]

Therefore, we have a moral obligation to choose true beliefs.

Reality is our common ground.

Perceptions are personal; they are not objective. Perceptions are constructed.

Reality is the objective arbiter of disputes involving matters of fact.

Reliable epistemologies—ways of knowing—converge on reality.

A lack of convergence is caused by unreliable methods.

The most reliable epistemologies are based on thinking scientifically.^[2]

Intellectual Honesty combines good faith with a primary motivation toward seeking true beliefs.

Moral reasoning helps us decide what we ought to do.

What matters is well-being. What matters is human experience.^[3]

Therefore, it is wise for moral reasoning to be based on studies of human experience and human well-being.

Moral reasoning extends to include all sentient beings, worldwide, now and into the future.

Elements of moral reasoning include:

• Moral virtue—excellence in being for the good;
• Intellectual honesty—seeking true beliefs and communicating in good faith;
• Fairness—freedom from bias, dishonesty, or injustice;
• Global perspective—consider all that matters;
• Promoting human flourishing—where people often have positive experiences;
  • Focusing on what matters
• Living the golden rule—treat others only as you consent to being treated in the same situation;
• Respecting human dignity—the quality of worth and honor intrinsic to every person, and
• Protecting human rights, worldwide—Essential protections for every person.

Seek real good. Do good.

We can choose to live wisely.

Notes:

1. ↑ Many ill-fated undertakings were based on untrue beliefs. These case studies provide several examples.
2. ↑ See, for example Pinker, Steven (February 13, 2018). Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress. Penguin Books Limited. p. 576. ISBN 978-0-525-42757-5., Chapter 22.
3. ↑ In addition to human experience, the experience of other sentient beings is also morally relevant.