Describe how your chosen discipline (your major) supports or disagrees with at least two points from our two readings this week; be sure to incorporate in-text citations, one from Lewis’ ” The Poison of Subjectivism,” and one from Tinder’s “Can We be Good without God.” Be specific with certain aspects within your major area of study. Really take some time to ask the hard moral/ethical questions about leading ideas in your major. Please have at least two paragraphs. Post initial post by Thursday. Please respond to at least one peer by Sunday. *You may write in the first person point of view for this post. Don’t forget proper in text citations and Work Cited entries.
In studying ethics and moral philosophy, I have encountered various perspectives on the nature of morality and its foundations. Lewis, in his essay “The Poison of Subjectivism,” criticizes the idea that moral values are mere subjective preferences or products of individual feelings. He argues for an objective moral order grounded in a higher authority or absolute truth. On the other hand, Tinder, in “Can We be Good without God,” explores the possibility of moral goodness and ethical behavior without reliance on religious beliefs. He advocates for a secular ethics based on human reason, empathy, and societal norms.
Within my field of study, I find myself grappling with the question of whether morality is objective or subjective. Lewis’ argument resonates with me to some extent, as a purely subjective view of morality raises concerns about relativism and the lack of a universal standard for judging actions. However, I also recognize the challenges of grounding morality in a transcendent source, as it raises questions about the nature of this source and its accessibility to all individuals across diverse cultures and belief systems.
Tinder’s perspective on secular ethics is equally intriguing. It compels me to consider whether moral goodness can indeed be founded on human reason and empathy, independent of religious doctrines. However, the potential problem lies in defining a consistent moral framework without a shared foundation like a religious tradition. Moreover, I am prompted to explore the role of societal norms in shaping ethical values and how these norms might differ across cultures and historical periods.
In my philosophical journey, I must grapple with the tension between the objective and subjective aspects of morality, seeking to strike a balance between the need for a universal moral standard and the respect for diverse ethical viewpoints. By critically engaging with both Lewis’ and Tinder’s perspectives, I can deepen my understanding of the complexities surrounding moral philosophy and develop a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to addressing ethical dilemmas. As a philosopher, I am committed to continuously questioning and reflecting on these leading ideas, always open to exploring new insights and challenging existing assumptions.