Moral Argument

Definition

The moral argument posits that the existence of objective moral values and duties implies the existence of a moral lawgiver, often understood as God. This argument suggests that humans have an inherent sense of right and wrong that transcends cultural and personal preferences, pointing to a universal moral standard.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The moral argument is often presented in syllogistic form: if objective morals exist, then God exists; objective morals exist; therefore, God exists.
2. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant have contributed to discussions on morality, emphasizing the importance of duty and moral imperatives.
3. Critics of the moral argument argue that morality can be explained through evolutionary biology and social contracts rather than divine intervention.
4. Proponents of the moral argument often highlight how moral intuitions are common across cultures, suggesting a shared moral framework.
5. The moral argument has been influential in debates about ethics in relation to scientific advancements, particularly regarding issues like bioethics and human dignity.

Review Questions

• How does the moral argument support the existence of God, and what implications does this have for ethical discussions?
  • The moral argument supports the existence of God by asserting that if objective moral values exist, they must come from a higher source, namely a moral lawgiver. This has significant implications for ethical discussions, as it suggests that moral principles are not just subjective opinions but are grounded in something absolute. This framework can guide ethical reasoning, especially in complex situations arising from scientific advancements.
• Evaluate the critiques against the moral argument, particularly those stemming from evolutionary biology and ethical relativism.
  • Critiques against the moral argument often come from evolutionary biology, which suggests that our moral intuitions have developed as adaptive traits for social cohesion. Additionally, ethical relativism challenges the notion of universal morality by arguing that morals vary greatly across cultures, indicating they are socially constructed rather than divinely ordained. These critiques raise important questions about the foundation of morality and its relationship with religion.
• Assess how the moral argument intersects with modern issues in bioethics and the implications for Christian responses to scientific advancements.
  • The moral argument intersects with modern bioethical issues, such as genetic engineering and euthanasia, by providing a framework for evaluating these complex situations through an objective moral lens. Christian responses to scientific advancements often draw upon this argument to assert that certain practices may violate inherent human dignity and moral standards established by God. This intersection highlights the ongoing relevance of the moral argument in navigating contemporary ethical dilemmas while maintaining a commitment to faith-based principles.

Related terms

Objective Morality: The belief that certain actions are universally right or wrong, independent of human opinion or belief.

Divine Command Theory:

A philosophical view that asserts that moral values are grounded in the commands of God, meaning that what is morally right is what God commands.

Ethical Relativism: The theory that moral standards and ethics are not universal but instead vary across different cultures and societies.