Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the two key questions regarding the relationship between reason and morality?
What are the two key questions regarding the relationship between reason and morality?
Reason can provide sufficient motivation to act morally.
Reason can provide sufficient motivation to act morally.
False (B)
What is the key question regarding the role of religion in the moral life?
What is the key question regarding the role of religion in the moral life?
Is religion harmful or helpful to the moral life?
Karl Marx viewed religion as the ______ of the masses.
Karl Marx viewed religion as the ______ of the masses.
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Which philosopher is associated with the idea of 'The Death of God'?
Which philosopher is associated with the idea of 'The Death of God'?
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Match the following philosophers with their respective viewpoints on the relationship between religion and reason:
Match the following philosophers with their respective viewpoints on the relationship between religion and reason:
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What did Abraham and Isaac bring with them to the place God had told them of?
What did Abraham and Isaac bring with them to the place God had told them of?
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Abraham was initially hesitant to sacrifice his son Isaac.
Abraham was initially hesitant to sacrifice his son Isaac.
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The 'Strong version' of the relationship between religion and reason suggests that religion and reason are completely independent.
The 'Strong version' of the relationship between religion and reason suggests that religion and reason are completely independent.
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What did the angel of the Lord say to Abraham after Abraham was about to slay Isaac?
What did the angel of the Lord say to Abraham after Abraham was about to slay Isaac?
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What is the primary argument made by supporters of religion regarding its impact on individuals?
What is the primary argument made by supporters of religion regarding its impact on individuals?
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Abraham called the place where he almost sacrificed Isaac ______.
Abraham called the place where he almost sacrificed Isaac ______.
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Match the following characters with their actions:
Match the following characters with their actions:
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What did God promise Abraham for his obedience in almost sacrificing Isaac?
What did God promise Abraham for his obedience in almost sacrificing Isaac?
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The issue presented in the content is whether God can request actions that go against human reason and morals.
The issue presented in the content is whether God can request actions that go against human reason and morals.
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What is the significance of the name 'Jehovah-jireh?'
What is the significance of the name 'Jehovah-jireh?'
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Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Divine Command Theories?
Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Divine Command Theories?
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Divine Command Theories assert that something is right because it aligns with human reason.
Divine Command Theories assert that something is right because it aligns with human reason.
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What is the central claim of Divine Command Theories?
What is the central claim of Divine Command Theories?
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The story of Abraham and Isaac is used as an example to illustrate _______ within Divine Command Theories.
The story of Abraham and Isaac is used as an example to illustrate _______ within Divine Command Theories.
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Match the following ethical theories with their key principles:
Match the following ethical theories with their key principles:
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Which of the following is a key figure associated with the voluntarist tradition in Divine Command Theories?
Which of the following is a key figure associated with the voluntarist tradition in Divine Command Theories?
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Divine Command Theories are widely accepted in all religious traditions.
Divine Command Theories are widely accepted in all religious traditions.
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Provide one example of a religious tradition where the will of God serves as the primary measure of what is right and wrong.
Provide one example of a religious tradition where the will of God serves as the primary measure of what is right and wrong.
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What does Søren Kierkegaard argue about the ethical in relation to God?
What does Søren Kierkegaard argue about the ethical in relation to God?
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Strong compatibilism holds that reason and religion are contradictory.
Strong compatibilism holds that reason and religion are contradictory.
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What was G.W.F. Hegel's view on the relationship between reason and religion?
What was G.W.F. Hegel's view on the relationship between reason and religion?
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Bertrand Russell believed that religion was simply ______ and that reason was the sole guide for action.
Bertrand Russell believed that religion was simply ______ and that reason was the sole guide for action.
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Which philosopher believed that even God is subject to the dictates of reason?
Which philosopher believed that even God is subject to the dictates of reason?
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Weak compatibilism asserts that reason and faith can contradict each other.
Weak compatibilism asserts that reason and faith can contradict each other.
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Match the following thinkers with their beliefs about reason and faith:
Match the following thinkers with their beliefs about reason and faith:
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What challenges to Enlightenment beliefs about reason are mentioned?
What challenges to Enlightenment beliefs about reason are mentioned?
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Study Notes
Divine Command Theories of Ethics
- Divine command theories posit that something is right because God wills it.
- Augustine and the voluntarist tradition embody this viewpoint.
- Islam explicitly aligns right action with the will of Allah.
- Fundamentalist views in various religions often adhere to this approach.
Criticisms of Divine Command Theories
- Determining God's will is a key challenge.
- Divine command theories potentially undermine human autonomy.
- These theories could be used to justify oppressive actions.
Abraham and Isaac
- The Old Testament describes God commanding Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.
- The discussion about this highlights the tension between divine commands and human morality.
The Story of Abraham
- Genesis 22:1-10 details this story.
- God tests Abraham's faith.
- Abraham is instructed to sacrifice his son Isaac.
The Issue
- God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, seems to conflict with reason and morality.
- The key issue is whether a divine command should supersede reason and morality.
The Teleological Suspension of the Ethical
- According to Søren Kierkegaard, the ethical sometimes needs to be set aside for God.
- Kierkegaard intensified the tension between faith and reason.
Søren Kierkegaard
- Kierkegaard emphasized faith and reason.
- He felt the need to show that faith is separate from reason.
- Fear and Trembling, Either/Or are works by Kierkegaard.
Compatibilist Theories
- Compatibilist theories maintain that reason and religion are compatible, not contradictory.
- Strong compatibilism states they are the same.
- Weak compatibilism holds that they don't contradict one another, even if different.
Strong Compatibilism
- G.W.F. Hegel believed reason and religion could be reconciled.
- He saw religion as presenting truths in a different form (myth) rather than reason.
Weak Compatibilism
- Thomas Aquinas believed reason and faith are not in conflict.
- He believed faith can reveal truths that exceed reason's reach.
Supremacy of Reason
- Bertrand Russell considered religion wrong.
- He believed reason alone should guide human action.
Rationalistic Theists
- Immanuel Kant believed in God but understood God as subject to reason.
Criticisms of Autonomy of Reason Theories
- The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and autonomy is a significant heritage.
- The Holocaust and other examples of human irrationality challenged Enlightenment beliefs.
A Crucial Distinction
- Reason can provide adequate guidelines, but not necessarily the motivation to follow ethical principles.
- Motivation often requires additional factors beyond reason.
Possible Relationships between Religion and Reason in Ethics
- Possible relationships between different versions of these positions are summarized.
- Differences between the "supremacy of religion", "compatibilism", and "supremacy of reason."
The Role of Religion in the Moral Life
- The essential question is whether religion is helpful or harmful to moral life.
Religion as Harmful to the Moral Life
- Karl Marx viewed religion as an opiate for the masses used to enslave them, a tool for oppression.
- Friedrich Nietzsche observed the "death of God" as leading to nihilism, and criticized morality as slave morality.
Religion as Transcendence
- Religion can encourage individuals to overcome societal hardship.
- Oscar Romero exemplifies this principle.
Religion and Ultimate Justice
- The concept of divine justice and whether religious belief is essential for ultimate justice.
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Description
Explore the principles of divine command theories in ethics, focusing on God’s will as the basis for morality. Delve into critiques of these theories, the story of Abraham and Isaac, and the theological implications surrounding faith and moral reasoning. This quiz examines key philosophical questions about divine authority and human autonomy.
