Does Morality depends on Religion Summary of Elements

Does Morality depends on Religion? Summary of Elements of Moral Philosophy (Rachels), Chapter 4 Course: Technology, Research and Ethics Group 3: Benny, Tao, Ruth

4. 1 The presumed connection between Morality and Religion (Tao) O Inseparable: Commonly, people believe that morality can be understood only in the context of religion O the nonreligious: The universe seems to be a old, meaningless place, devoid of value and purpose O the religious : The world was created by a loving all-powerful God to provide a home for us. In turn, we were created in his image, to be his children. Thus the world is not devoid of meaning and purpose.

4. 2 The Divine Command Theory (Tao) O This theory says that morally right means commandes by God and morally wrong means forbidden by God. O Dilemma: Is conduct right because gods command it, or do gods command it because it is right? 1 Regarding God’s commands as arbitrary 2 a standard of right and wrong that is independent of god’s will and command.

4. 3 Theory of Natural Law (Benny) O The world is a rational order O Moral laws derived from natural order O Confusion of is and ought O Moral knowledge independent of religion

4. 4 Religion and Particular Moral Issues (Ruth) O Moral views not derived from religions commitments O Abortion: The Scriptures ‘unclear’ O Abortion: Church Traditions ‘changing views’ O Reinterpretation by every generation to support it’s favored moral views O Morality and religion are different