We try to explain everything in the natural world through the actions of the laws of physics, too. Why do the planets orbit the sun? Because of the laws of physics. Why do hurricanes form in the Atlantic and move toward North America? Because of the laws of physics.
Yes, and likewise, believing in God will still give you these answers as well. The problem is the deeper question of why it is. It only boils down to two simple choices. Either it was intentional or not.
Two entire belief systems are based around this, right? So how can you say that there isn't a general philosophy at the core of naturalism? It seems that much is inescapable.
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The singular answer I receive back from those of an atheistic persuasion is that we evolved feelings of altruism, empathy, etc for a survival-of-the-fittest reason.
Sure, evolution would explain why we have feelings we describe as morality and ethics. But it doesn't, in itself, explain which things should be categorized as "moral" and which things should be categorized as "immoral". That is completely due to social convention and individual conscience, which can and does change from one society to another and from one person to another within each society.
But its completely immaterial to the greater question. For instance, if we were to ask why humans enjoy music, a simple, quick, and true answer would be,
because we like it. Well, yes, but does it just stop there? Is there not something deeper at play in all of that, whether you ascribe to theistic or atheistic beliefs?
At the heart of atheism is naturalism, because there are no other explanations by its very definition. So any atheist has to find, as a basic criteria, compelling natural reasons why he does what he does. Any existential, metaphysical, or spiritual questions are automatically ruled out a priori.
What he is left with is nature alone. And even saying that things like morals transmit through sociology is only begging the question. Sociology only makes sense, to a naturalist, in the realm of nature itself.
So if a man does something, it is ultimately attributed to chemical reactions in the brain driving him towards a function. He, like his insect brothers and feline sisters, are creatures of instinct.
In a more appreciable way, people like Dawkins thrive on the philosophy of science. There life's work is completely invested in this basic philosophy.
“This life’s dim windows of the soul, distorts the heavens from pole to pole, and goads you to believe a lie, when you see with and not through the eye.” -William Blake
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