Euthyphro Dilemma

  • Choice between inherent goodness or goodness assigned by external authority (gods).

  • Assigning goodness implies arbitrariness; inherent goodness lacks a clear source.

Moral Anti-Realism vs. Moral Realism

  • Anti-realism denies objective moral facts; realism asserts universal truths.

  • Moral disagreements don't negate morality's existence.

  • Cross-cultural moral agreements suggest objective morality.

Ethics

  • Branch of philosophy covering morality, divided into:

    • Metaethics: Studies existence and nature of moral facts.

    • Normative Ethics: Sets standards of right and wrong.

    • Applied Ethics: Offers guidance on specific issues.

Approaches in Normative Ethics

  • Virtue Ethics: Focus on character.

  • Deontology: Based on duties/rules (includes divine command theory).

  • Consequentialism: Evaluates morality based on outcomes.

Christian Ethics

  • Right and wrong are based on God's character.

  • Duty reflects God's nature; outcomes considered differently than in consequentialism.

Meaning of Life

  • Debate on life’s inherent meaning or nihilism.

  • Christianity sees meaning in relationship with God and glorifying Him.

  • Life's narrative is creation, fall, redemption.

Political Philosophy

  • Addresses questions of justice and societal responsibilities.

  • Distinction between principles of ideal societies and partisan politics.

Plato's Tripartite Theory of the Soul and Society

  • Soul's parts: Reason (brain), Spirit (heart), Appetite (stomach).

  • Society mirrors this with Philosopher Kings, Soldier Class, and Working Class.

Critique of Democracy

  • Plato/Socrates distrust democracy; masses lack wisdom.

  • Socrates' fate shows dangers of public opinion.

  • Mob rule is unpredictable and often misleading.

Noble Lie and Social Hierarchy

  • Class division: rulers as gold, soldiers as silver, workers as bronze.

  • Suggests a "noble lie" is necessary for societal order.

The Role of Citizens in Society

  • Citizens must act virtuously; entails Christian patriotism.

  • Biblical support for aiding flawed nations (e.g., helping Israel in Babylon).

Governmental Authority and Morality

  • Governments, instituted by God, serve the good; obedience expected unless in conflict with divine commands.

  • Social contract theory advocates forming or rejecting governments based on justice.

The Nature of Authority

  • God as ultimate authority over governments.

Concerns about Government Overreach

  • Differences between authoritarian and totalitarian, both suppress freedoms.

  • Philosophers' warnings (e.g., Tocqueville, Hobbes) about government excess.

Just War Theory

  • Originated by Thomas Aquinas.

  • Divisions: jus ad bellum (conditions for war), jus in bello (rules in war).

Jus ad Bellum

  • War as last resort; good intentions required.

  • Must be initiated by legitimate authority.

Jus in Bello

  • Principles of discrimination (no targeting civilians) and proportionality (force must match good outcome).

Examples of Just War Theory

  • Unjust War: Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022).

  • Controversial historical bombings: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Dresden debated under jus in bello principles.