Key Questions Are there any things which are always wrong? Should decisions be based on the situation? Should religious people have high moral standards? Are they realistic? What exactly is and isn’t “good”? Can you have morality without religion and religion without morality?

How are Religious and Moral decision making related? Here we need to look at two Key ideas Autonomy And Heteronomy

What is meant by the claim that moral values are autonomous? It means that moral values are independent of religious belief. It contrasts with Heteronomy Highlights reason as the main source of morality. Describes reasons for the rejection of religion as the source of Morality. (e.g. conscience, upbringing) Explains that both religious and non-religious people can accept that moral values are autonomous

What is meant by the claim that moral values are heteronomous? Morality is heteronomous if it depends on religious belief or if it has been developed with reference to a set of values provided by a religion Natural Law Theory – reason based on religious principles Society influenced by religious views and attitudes, these have an unconscious effect, even on those who are not religious. Religious inspiration to give courage and conviction to put what one understands as right into effect

Heteronomous moral systems give greater guarantee of conformity to moral rules (autonomous rely on reasonableness and good-will) Ultimate authority for Christian morality (as for other religions ) is God’s will.

Ethical Theories The Euthyphro Dilemma

Discussion between Socrates and Euthyphro. (Socrates -was an ancient Greek philosopher who is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy.)ancient GreekphilosopherWestern philosophy (Euthyphro is one of Plato's known early dialogues.Shortly before the Greek philosopher Socrates is due to appear in court, he encounters a young man, Euthyphro, who has gained the reputation of being a religious expert.)PlatoGreekphilosopher Socratesreligious

Euthyphro’s Position – Whatever the God/s command is obligatory just because they command it – God/s commands are absolute.

Socrates position There is a standard of goodness independent of the gods (God). The God/s are no longer standard of morality.

Is a thing right because the Gods command it? Do the Gods command it because it is good? Questions

Socrates - God commands us to do good because it is Good. Actions are good in themselves. c.f. Plato’s Form of the Good.

Euthyphro A divine command theory If God commands it then it is good. 1. God is always right 2. If God appears to be wrong, refer to point 1 above. Theists position Goodness intrinsic to God

Intelligent responses to Divine Command theory The Intelligent person cross checks commands, holy books, traditions, teachers. It goes beyond what they think God is telling them.

The Golden Rule Found in all religious traditions, and cited by many non religious moral philosophers. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12