Technological Progress Shapes Moral Evolution

The end of slavery was closely linked to advancements in machine technology, particularly evident in agriculture with the introduction of cotton gins, which initially increased the reliance on slave labor before later reducing it as machines improved. As societies gain wealth and stability through such technological progress, traditional labor practices evolve, prompting a shift away from slavery towards alternative labor solutions, such as hired farmhands. This illustrates that morality is influenced by the practical pressures and needs of society rather than existing independently. Additionally, the nature of a society's environment, such as being surrounded by threats, significantly impacts its moral stance and behaviors.