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BGSU PHIL 1020 - Natural Law Theory

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PHIL 1020 1st Edition Lecture 11Outline of Last Lecture I. Is Morality Objective?Outline of Current Lecture II. Euthyphro DilemmaIII. Assumption 3IV. Natural Law TheoryCurrent LectureII. Euthyphro Dilemma#1. Wrong because God says so- God the morality creator- God decides what Is right, then tells us- Like a High School Principal#2. It is wrong (and God says so)- God the Moral Guide- God sees what is right, then tells us- Like a Mountain GuideWhy a Dilemma?- What is God like?o 1. All powerfulo Benevolent (Good)If “Morality Creator” Chosen – 1st- God is all-powerfulThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- But not necessarily “good”If “Moral Guide” Chosen – 2nd- God is good- But not all-powerfulIII. Assumption 3:Religion is essential for moral guidance- Without it, we have no “moral compass”- Obvious reply: non-believers seem to manageA Solution?But maybe there are objective guidelines that can be seen from both religious and non-religious perspectives.IV. Natural Law TheoryAn ancient view of ethics, found in roots of Aristotle’s writing- Applied to Christian theology in the Middle Ages (e.g., St. Thomas Aquinas)- In Islamic thought (e.g., Averroes or IbnRushd)A. Natural Law and Reason- Humans are animals, part of natural world.- But have the ability to reason- Universe is structured on rational principles- Everything has a purpose or natural end- These natural ends serve as our guides to morality- We can find these by observing nature and using reason- Applies to our bodies.o E.g., the natural purpose of certain organs – all have purposes- Also our “inclinations”, instincts, desireso E.g., instincts of self-preservation, to reproduce, to protect young, etc.B. Religious and Secular- Can appeal to non-believers as well as believers- God is rational and created the universe on rational principles- Or, natural forces, e.g., evolution through natural selection, shape the universe in a certain way.C. Natural Law- An action is right if it is natural- An action is wrong if it is


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BGSU PHIL 1020 - Natural Law Theory

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