Can people act "ethically" without being "religious?"
Absolutely!
What do YOU think?
Definitely! Atheists can be ethical, and extremely religious people can be unethical. Of course, there is also the problem of what they (or you) consider to be ethical behavior.
Yes, people can definitely act ethically without being religious. Ethics refers to a system of principles that guides individuals in determining what is right or wrong, whereas religion involves a belief in and worship of a higher power.
An ethical framework can be derived from various sources such as philosophy, cultural traditions, personal values, or societal norms. Ethics is a discipline that explores the principles underlying moral judgments and behaviors, and it offers a rational and logical basis for making ethical decisions.
To act ethically, individuals can start by considering the consequences of their actions and how they may affect others. They can also explore different ethical theories and principles, such as utilitarianism (maximizing overall happiness), deontology (following moral duties), or virtue ethics (cultivating virtuous character traits).
It is essential to engage in critical thinking, self-reflection, and empathy to make ethical choices. Additionally, individuals can seek guidance from ethical frameworks provided by various philosophical schools of thought, ethical codes in their professions, or community standards.
Ultimately, ethics is not solely dependent on religion. People can lead ethical lives by understanding and adhering to these principles and values, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.