Does Morality depends
on Religion?
Summary of Elements of Moral Philosophy
(Rachels), Chapter 4
Course: Technology, Research and Ethics
Group 3: Benny, Tao, Ruth
4.1 The presumed connection
between Morality and Religion (Tao)
O Inseparable:Commonly, people believe that
morality can be understood only in the context of
religion
O the nonreligious: The universe seems to be a
old,meaningless place,devoid of value and purpose
O the religious :The world was created by a loving allpowerful God to provide a home for us. In turn, we
were created in his image, to be his children. Thus
the world is not devoid of meaning and purpose.
4.2 The Divine Command Theory
(Tao)
O This theory says that morally right means
commandes by God and morally wrong means
forbidden by God.
O Dilemma: Is conduct right because gods command it,
or do gods command it because it is right?
1 Regarding God’s commands as arbitrary
2 a standard of right and wrong that is independent of
god’s will and command.
4.3 The Theory of Natural Law
(Benny)
O The world is a rational order
O Moral laws derived from natural order
O Confusion of is and ought
O Moral knowledge independent of religion
4.4 Religion and Particular Moral
Issues (Ruth)
O Moral views not derived from religions commitments
O Abortion: The Scriptures ‘unclear’
O Abortion: Church Traditions ‘changing views’
O Reinterpretation by every generation to support it’s
favored moral views
O Morality and religion are different