The Blue Folders Story: How Not to Defend Objective Moral Values
I think I first heard this story while listening to a debate between Michael Horner and Henry Morgentaler, but since then I’ve seen it or heard it repeated many other times. The story is supposed to illustrate that even people who claim to be moral relativists really do believe that objective moral values exist. Here … The Blue Folders Story: How Not to Defend Objective Moral Values
Richard Schoenig’s New Paper: “Objective Ethics Without Religion”
Abstract: Theists frequently aver that atheism is incompatible with moral realism (the view that there are objective moral facts). This paper defends a justifiable objective moral code, termed ethical rationalism (ER), that does not depend on the existence of any supernatural being. ER is a seven-principle moral code comprising two general prescriptions: do not harm … Richard Schoenig’s New Paper: “Objective Ethics Without Religion”
Craig’s Defense of Moral Objectivity in his Moral Argument for God’s Existence
William Lane Craig’s moral argument for God’s existence is as follows. (1) If God does not exist, then objective moral values and duties do not exist. (2) But objective moral values and duties do exist. (3) Therefore, God exists. In defense of (2), Craig offers an appeal to intuition. Here’s an excerpt from one of … Craig’s Defense of Moral Objectivity in his Moral Argument for God’s Existence
Louise Antony on Divine Goodness
I’m reading Debating Christian Theism, based on Keith Parsons’s recommendation. I just finished reading the essays by Paul Copan and Louise Antony debating moral arguments for God’s existence. Antony’s essay ends with a very interesting point. In a way, it’s puzzling why, of all God’s attributes, moral goodness is the one held to be constituted merely by … Louise Antony on Divine Goodness
A Quick and Easy Refutation of Theologically-Grounded Ethics?
According to many skeptics, including many philosophers, the idea that God is the foundation of morality can be refuted according to the Euthyphro dilemma (ED). Socrates, in Plato’s Euthyphro dialogue (10a), asked: “Is what is holy holy because the gods approve it, or do they approve it because it is holy?” In modern times this has been … A Quick and Easy Refutation of Theologically-Grounded Ethics?
James Henderson Kreeft’s and Tacelli’s Moral Argument
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Kahane on Cosmic Insignificance
This paper is an absolute must-read. Abstract: The universe that surrounds us is vast, and we are so very small. When we reflect on the vastness of the universe, our humdrum cosmic location, and the inevitable future demise of humanity, our lives can seem utterly insignificant. Many philosophers assume that such worries about our significance … Kahane on Cosmic Insignificance
Atheistic Moral Realism – Part 11
If I understand William Craig’s third objection to AMR, then he is basically offering an inductive teleological argument for the existence of God (similar to how Richard Swinburne argues for God) based on the assumption that there are objective moral values plus the claim that humans and the circumstances in which humans find themselves are … Atheistic Moral Realism – Part 11
Atheistic Moral Realism – Part 10
When I argue against the resurrection of Jesus, I generally take a two-pronged approach. First, I argue that there are various good reasons to doubt the claim that Jesus was alive and walking around on the first Easter Sunday. Second, I make a concession for the sake of argument; I grant the supposition that Jesus … Atheistic Moral Realism – Part 10
Atheistic Moral Realism – Part 9
I have argued previously that Craig’s first two objections to AMR are weak at best. The third objection might not be as weak as the previous two. However, the third objection is the most unclear of the three, so if it turns out to be a strong objection, that will be because we help Craig … Atheistic Moral Realism – Part 9