(185) Intro to Ethics Quinn

Introduction to Ethics

Ethics studies concepts of right and wrong and examines the reasons behind them.
Key question: Does morality depend on religion?
- This does not imply that one must believe in God to be good.
- Central inquiry: Is something right due to God's command, or is it right independently of God?

Definition: Morality is dictated by God's commands.
Key quotes illustrating Divine Command Theory:
- "The good consists in always doing what God wills at any particular moment."
- "I respect deities; I do not rely upon them."

Christian clergy viewed as moral authorities in various contexts, including ethics committees in hospitals.
- This view arises not from demonstrable superiority but from a cultural link between morality and religion.
Studies indicate that societal views often regard even non-religious individuals' moral guidance as linked to religious figures.

Russell's View: A scientific outlook suggests human existence is ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of the universe.
Religious Perspective: Judaism and Christianity posit a purposeful creation by God, suggesting that morality is closely tied to religious belief.

The theory asserts that:
- Morally right actions are commanded by God.
- Morally wrong actions are forbidden by God.
- Neutral actions lie outside this binary.
Advantages:
- Provides objective standards for ethics.
- Explains motivation for adhering to morality through accountability on judgment day.

Challenges arise for atheists who reject God's existence and for believers confronted with philosophical dilemmas.
Euthyphro Dilemma:
- Originates from a dialogue by Plato.
- Questions whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is good.
- Two ramifications:
  - If goodness is arbitrary, God’s decrees can lead to morally reprehensible actions such as murder being considered good if commanded.
  - If God follows an external standard of goodness, this undermines His sovereignty.
Historical Context: This dilemma has been a significant discussion in monotheistic philosophy for 1500 years.
Augustine's Perspective: Suggested that goodness part of God's nature, resolving the dilemma by asserting God's will is inherently good.

This approach supersedes Divine Command Theory in Christian ethical discussions.
Core Principles:
- Belief in a rational order in the universe with inherent values and purposes (Greek influence).
- Natural laws define how things ought to be rather than just how they are; deviations signify moral failure.
- Moral knowledge arises from reasoning rather than solely through divine commandments.
- Humans are equipped with the rationality to discern moral truths supported by rational arguments.