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Chapter 4 Does Morality Depend On Religion

This document discusses two theories on the relationship between morality and religion: the divine command theory and the theory of natural law. [1] The divine command theory holds that something is morally right if God commands it, while the theory of natural law argues that moral truths exist independently in the natural order of the world. [2] The theory of natural law views morality as discerned through human reason and purpose in nature, not religious doctrine. [3] The conclusion is that morality is defined by reason and conscience rather than religious texts or God's will, and moral issues are often interpreted to fit preexisting views rather than derived from religion.

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288 views

Chapter 4 Does Morality Depend On Religion

This document discusses two theories on the relationship between morality and religion: the divine command theory and the theory of natural law. [1] The divine command theory holds that something is morally right if God commands it, while the theory of natural law argues that moral truths exist independently in the natural order of the world. [2] The theory of natural law views morality as discerned through human reason and purpose in nature, not religious doctrine. [3] The conclusion is that morality is defined by reason and conscience rather than religious texts or God's will, and moral issues are often interpreted to fit preexisting views rather than derived from religion.

Uploaded by

kristin_guite
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CHAPTER 4

DOES MORALITY DEPEND ON RELIGION?

Popular thinking = morality and religion are inseparable Morality can only be understood in context of religion Judge Roy Moore goal to put God above the law by displaying Ten Commandments In courthouse lobby. Theory 1: Divine Command Theory God gave man laws to obey: Morally right = commanded by God Morally wrong= forbidden by God Plato/Socrates challenge: Based on idea that recognizing a truth is different than making a truth A. Is conduct right because God commands it? OR B. Does God command it because the conduct is right? Problems with option A: -acceptance makes commandments arbitrary; God could have given different commands just as easily -nothing is good or bad except when Gods thinking makes it so -no other reasons for anything being right or wrong outside of Gods will; additional reasons why a conduct may be wrong become irrelevant Problems with option B: -acceptance means God wise and recognizes various moral truths and therefore commands us to act accordingly - acceptance compels us to acknowledge existence of moral truths independent of Gods will - means rightness exists prior to and independent of God; it is the reason for Gods command. Theory 2: Theory of Natural Law World exhibits a rational order with values & purpose build into its very nature Aristotle: everything in nature has a purpose! Rain falls so plants can grow, etc. Neat Hierarchy rain plants; plants animals; animals man! anthropocentric or human-centered view. Christians added God to Hierarchy all things occur in nature because that is what God intended Laws of Nature describe: how things are how things ought to be

Things natural = right Unnatural = wrong i.e Sex procreation Sex pleasure marriage man/woman samesex marriage th - St. Augustine 4 century ; Thomas Aquinas Natural laws point to the laws of reason to illuminate moral truths God made us rational beings; able to grasp such truths Supports idea that right thing to do is whatever has best reasons on its side. Moral judgements are dictates of reason. Religious believer has no special access to moral truth; only thru reason. Leaves morality independent of religion! Theory is rejected by most outside of church. 1. confuses issue of what is with what ought; no conclusion about one follows from the other. Eg. People may be beneficent; but that doesnt mean they ought to be. 2. Natural Law view of world conflicts with modern science. Science describes the way the world is; without attributing values or purpose to the nature of the world. - the only natural laws in science are those of physics, chemistry, o biology, genetics, etc. Religion & Particular Moral Issues Scriptures contain general precepts little specific moral guidance - meaning of scriptures subject to interpretation People often adopt a moral view then cherry pick scripture to support and justify a favored moral position. Scriptures often ambiguous and contradictory Abortion: Jeremiah words lifted from context about prophecy Exodus 21 penalty for murder-death; death of fetuses not included in category for murder Homunculus 17th century idea that embryo was wholly formed little person and therefore had soul from moment of conception Although biology advanced and exposed homunculus error; church clung to earlier position. Assertion: Peoples moral convictions often not derived from religion; but are superimposed on it. Conclusion: 1. Right and wrong are not defined in terms of Gods will 2. Morality is a mater of reason and conscience

3. Although religious systems may not be false, reason suggests that morality remains an independent matter.

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