‘the unexamined life is not worth living.’ socrates

‘‘The The unexamineunexamined life is not d life is not

worth worth living.’living.’

SocratesSocrates

MORALITY IN THE MODERN MORALITY IN THE MODERN WORLDWORLD

Area 1: The Relationship between Religion and Moral Area 1: The Relationship between Religion and Moral ValuesValues

Introduction (pp. 1-7)Introduction (pp. 1-7) The Euthyphro Dilemma The Euthyphro Dilemma ‘Are actions ‘good’ simply because the ‘Are actions ‘good’ simply because the

gods command them or do the gods command certain actions gods command them or do the gods command certain actions because they are ‘good’?’because they are ‘good’?’

Religious Morality (pp. 8-21)Religious Morality (pp. 8-21) Moral values are grounded in religious beliefMoral values are grounded in religious belief The interpretation of sacred writings guided by faith, tradition The interpretation of sacred writings guided by faith, tradition

and/or reasonand/or reason

Utilitarian Ethics (pp. 29-33)Utilitarian Ethics (pp. 29-33) Act and Rule utilitarianism Act and Rule utilitarianism Principle of the greatest goodPrinciple of the greatest good

Kantian Ethics (pp. 34-37)Kantian Ethics (pp. 34-37) Categorical imperativeCategorical imperative Universal maximUniversal maxim Respect of personsRespect of persons

IntroductionIntroduction Welcome to Higher RMPS, let’s get started!Welcome to Higher RMPS, let’s get started!

Today you’ll be taking your first steps in Today you’ll be taking your first steps in the the Morality in the Modern WorldMorality in the Modern World unit. unit.

We expect you to take your own notes as We expect you to take your own notes as you’re led through the PowerPoint. You you’re led through the PowerPoint. You can nearly find the PowerPoint on the can nearly find the PowerPoint on the school website.school website.

If you see this symbol If you see this symbol it means the it means the slide contains key notes (stuff you really slide contains key notes (stuff you really need to pay attention to).need to pay attention to).

The The Relationship Relationship

between between Religion and Religion and Moral ValuesMoral Values

IntroductionIntroduction


The Euthyphro Dilemma The Euthyphro Dilemma

‘‘Are actions ‘good’ simply Are actions ‘good’ simply because the gods command because the gods command them or do the gods them or do the gods command certain actions command certain actions because they are ‘good’?’because they are ‘good’?’

Socrates: a biographySocrates: a biography Born 469BCE in Athens, Greece.Born 469BCE in Athens, Greece. No recorded works yet one of history’s No recorded works yet one of history’s

most influential philosophers.most influential philosophers. We know of Socrates through the writings We know of Socrates through the writings

of his student Plato.of his student Plato. Often described as rotund and ugly, he Often described as rotund and ugly, he

was known for talking to anyone and was known for talking to anyone and engaging them in philosophical debate.engaging them in philosophical debate.

His commitment to philosophy meant that His commitment to philosophy meant that personal hygiene came second place- he personal hygiene came second place- he was often barefoot and dirty and had very was often barefoot and dirty and had very few possessions.few possessions.

Socrates: a biographySocrates: a biography

Socrates aim was not Socrates aim was not to tell others the to tell others the truth – he often truth – he often claimed to be claimed to be ignorant of it himself ignorant of it himself – but rather to help – but rather to help them discover it for them discover it for themselves as best themselves as best they could.they could.

Socrates and EuthyphroSocrates and Euthyphro

We are going to be learning about a very We are going to be learning about a very famous argument in moral thinking famous argument in moral thinking between Socrates and Euthyphro. We between Socrates and Euthyphro. We know about it from Plato’s writing in know about it from Plato’s writing in The The Last Days of SocratesLast Days of Socrates..

It all kicked off when Socrates asked It all kicked off when Socrates asked Euthyphro what he thought was ‘right’ Euthyphro what he thought was ‘right’ (or ‘holy’ which was one way of (or ‘holy’ which was one way of describing it in those days).describing it in those days).

Why Euthyphro?Why Euthyphro?

Euthyphro was taking his father to court for Euthyphro was taking his father to court for the mistreatment of a slave (so he must have the mistreatment of a slave (so he must have been a moral dude).been a moral dude).

Socrates was on trial for the ‘crime’ of Socrates was on trial for the ‘crime’ of stirring up trouble in the city’s youth – he stirring up trouble in the city’s youth – he could face the death penalty for this. could face the death penalty for this.

Socrates was going to be executed for doing Socrates was going to be executed for doing something ‘wrong’ so wanted to find out what something ‘wrong’ so wanted to find out what ‘wrong’ actually meant.‘wrong’ actually meant.

The Euthyphro DilemmaThe Euthyphro Dilemma

During the debate Euthyphro During the debate Euthyphro suggests that what is right is what suggests that what is right is what the gods would be pleased with.the gods would be pleased with.

Socrates ends the argument by Socrates ends the argument by asking Euthyphro asking Euthyphro if the gods if the gods command what is right because command what is right because it is right or if it is right only it is right or if it is right only because the gods command it.because the gods command it.

The Dilemma (or horns)The Dilemma (or horns)

Should religious people do things Should religious people do things their god(s) commands them to do their god(s) commands them to do even if they otherwise think what even if they otherwise think what they’re being asked to do is wrong?they’re being asked to do is wrong?

Or, should they doubt that the Or, should they doubt that the command has come from their god(s) command has come from their god(s) if they believe that the command is if they believe that the command is wrong?wrong?

Euthyphro’s ProblemEuthyphro’s Problem

Suppose Euthyphro was hanging about and Suppose Euthyphro was hanging about and hears a godlike voice telling him to kill the hears a godlike voice telling him to kill the next person who passes him. He is convince next person who passes him. He is convince he has heard the voice of god(s) and he has he has heard the voice of god(s) and he has been brought up always to obey the been brought up always to obey the commands of god(s), because they only commands of god(s), because they only command what’s right. Should he kill? command what’s right. Should he kill?

Even if he thinks it is wrong (which he does) Even if he thinks it is wrong (which he does) surely god(s) wouldn’t command it if it was surely god(s) wouldn’t command it if it was wrong?wrong?

DiscussionDiscussion If there was such If there was such

a thing as god(s) a thing as god(s) do you think do you think he/she/it/they he/she/it/they would command would command you to do you to do something which something which was wrong?was wrong?

Morality and KillingMorality and Killing

Is killing right or wrong? Is killing right or wrong? Would god(s) command it?Would god(s) command it?

This depends on who you ask…This depends on who you ask… Some people say that ‘no killing’ is an Some people say that ‘no killing’ is an

absoluteabsolute rule – it never wavers and rule – it never wavers and always applies.always applies.

Other people say that ‘no killing’ depends Other people say that ‘no killing’ depends on lots of things and so it is a on lots of things and so it is a relativerelative rule – it depends on the situation.rule – it depends on the situation.

Time Out: Think, Pair Time Out: Think, Pair and Shareand Share

Is there anything Is there anything which you think is which you think is always wrong no always wrong no matter what? matter what?

Or, is what’s right Or, is what’s right and wrong related and wrong related to the situation?to the situation?

Some possible responses!Some possible responses! It is wrong in theory to kill, but sometimes It is wrong in theory to kill, but sometimes

the situation demands it.the situation demands it. It is wrong in theory to kill and so it is wrong It is wrong in theory to kill and so it is wrong

to do it no matter what the situation.to do it no matter what the situation. It is theoretically right to kill in certain It is theoretically right to kill in certain

situations and so right to actually do so.situations and so right to actually do so. It is theoretically right to kill in certain It is theoretically right to kill in certain

situations but is actually wrong to do so.situations but is actually wrong to do so.

NB: this also applies to those who have NB: this also applies to those who have viewpoints independent from religious viewpoints independent from religious beliefs.beliefs.

DiscussionDiscussion

Is it Is it moremore important to important to do the right do the right thing if you thing if you believe in an believe in an afterlife?afterlife?

Divine Command TheoryDivine Command Theory Divine Command Theory: Divine Command Theory: you should you should

follow all commands you are given from follow all commands you are given from god(s) without questiongod(s) without question..

Euthyphro’s dilemma raised the issue of Euthyphro’s dilemma raised the issue of how god(s) are linked to right and wrong.how god(s) are linked to right and wrong.

Most religions today think their Most religions today think their god(s) are perfectly good god(s) are perfectly good meaning that they always do meaning that they always do what is good and expect the what is good and expect the same from followers (same from followers (often with often with use of the carrot and stickuse of the carrot and stick).).

So how do religious people So how do religious people ‘hear’ from their god(s)?‘hear’ from their god(s)?

Directly as a voice/vision or a sense of Directly as a voice/vision or a sense of presence.presence.

Indirectly through the interpretation of Indirectly through the interpretation of something that happened.something that happened.

An answer to a prayer.An answer to a prayer. The study of sacred texts.The study of sacred texts. The teachings of a member of the faith group.The teachings of a member of the faith group. Historical teachings.Historical teachings.

And can these ways be trusted?And can these ways be trusted?

No easy answerNo easy answer For religious people finding out what’s For religious people finding out what’s

‘right’ and ‘wrong’ is a complex matter. ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ is a complex matter. Some choose to cross-check a few Some choose to cross-check a few features of their faith together to find features of their faith together to find answers.answers.

What religious people do with what they What religious people do with what they think god(s) is telling them is related to think god(s) is telling them is related to two further key ideas in moral-decision two further key ideas in moral-decision making we’ll be learning about: making we’ll be learning about: Autonomy and HeteronomyAutonomy and Heteronomy..

Time Out: Think, Pair Time Out: Think, Pair and Shareand Share

What makes What makes something something good? good?

Outcome? Outcome?

Intention? Intention?

Something else?Something else?

The Last Days of The Last Days of SocratesSocrates

Socrates never found a Socrates never found a solution to the solution to the Euthyphro dilemma Euthyphro dilemma and what makes and what makes something ‘right’ or something ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.‘wrong’.

The Athens court could The Athens court could not explain what ‘right’ not explain what ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ were either, or ‘wrong’ were either, but nevertheless but nevertheless Socrates was Socrates was sentenced to death.sentenced to death.

Socrates: a biographySocrates: a biography The trial and execution of Socrates, The trial and execution of Socrates,

dramatized by Plato, has inspired many dramatized by Plato, has inspired many thinkers and artists through the thinkers and artists through the centuries.centuries.

Considered to be a dangerous and Considered to be a dangerous and subversive influence, he was eventually subversive influence, he was eventually arrested and charged with refusing to arrested and charged with refusing to acknowledge the gods of the state, acknowledge the gods of the state, introducing new ones and corrupting the introducing new ones and corrupting the young. young.

Socrates: a biographySocrates: a biography Socrates was Socrates was

condemned to death by condemned to death by drinking hemlock, he drinking hemlock, he refused a chance to refused a chance to escape and, escape and, surrounded by his surrounded by his friends, embraced friends, embraced death with great death with great dignity.dignity.

Socrates died in Socrates died in 399BCE, Athens. 399BCE, Athens.

The Death of SocratesThe Death of Socrates, by Jacques-Louis , by Jacques-Louis

David (1787).David (1787).

PlatoPlato Following the execution of Following the execution of

Socrates Plato left Athens in Socrates Plato left Athens in disgust. He travelled in disgust. He travelled in Italy, Sicily and Egypt Italy, Sicily and Egypt before returning to Athens before returning to Athens to found his Academy in to found his Academy in 377BCE.377BCE.

The Academy was the The Academy was the Western’s world’s first Western’s world’s first university. Many great university. Many great intellectuals were schooled intellectuals were schooled there, including Aristotle.there, including Aristotle.

Check Your NotesCheck Your Notes

Here’s that reggae tune I was telling Here’s that reggae tune I was telling you about and the PowerPoint again. you about and the PowerPoint again.

Check your notes and make sure Check your notes and make sure they are accurate.they are accurate.

Take a note of any questions you Take a note of any questions you want to ask me.want to ask me.


The Euthyphro Dilemma The Euthyphro Dilemma

‘‘Are actions ‘good’ simply Are actions ‘good’ simply because the gods command because the gods command them or do the gods them or do the gods command certain actions command certain actions because they are ‘good’?’because they are ‘good’?’

Socrates: a biographySocrates: a biography Born 469BCE in Athens, Greece.Born 469BCE in Athens, Greece. No recorded works yet one of history’s No recorded works yet one of history’s

most influential philosophers.most influential philosophers. We know of Socrates through the writings We know of Socrates through the writings

of his student Plato.of his student Plato. Often described as rotund and ugly, he Often described as rotund and ugly, he

was known for talking to anyone and was known for talking to anyone and engaging them in philosophical debate.engaging them in philosophical debate.

His commitment to philosophy meant that His commitment to philosophy meant that personal hygiene came second place- he personal hygiene came second place- he was often barefoot and dirty and had very was often barefoot and dirty and had very few possessions.few possessions.

Socrates: a biographySocrates: a biography

Socrates aim was not Socrates aim was not to tell others the to tell others the truth – he often truth – he often claimed to be claimed to be ignorant of it himself ignorant of it himself – but rather to help – but rather to help them discover it for them discover it for themselves as best themselves as best they could.they could.

Socrates and EuthyphroSocrates and Euthyphro

We are going to be learning about a very We are going to be learning about a very famous argument in moral thinking famous argument in moral thinking between Socrates and Euthyphro. We between Socrates and Euthyphro. We know about it from Plato’s writing in know about it from Plato’s writing in The The Last Days of SocratesLast Days of Socrates..

It all kicked off when Socrates asked It all kicked off when Socrates asked Euthyphro what he thought was ‘right’ Euthyphro what he thought was ‘right’ (or ‘holy’ which was one way of (or ‘holy’ which was one way of describing it in those days).describing it in those days).

Why Euthyphro?Why Euthyphro? Euthyphro was taking his father to court Euthyphro was taking his father to court

for the mistreatment of a slave (so he for the mistreatment of a slave (so he must have been a moral dude).must have been a moral dude).

Socrates was on trial for the ‘crime’ of Socrates was on trial for the ‘crime’ of stirring up trouble in the city’s youth – he stirring up trouble in the city’s youth – he could face the death penalty for this. could face the death penalty for this.

Socrates was going to be executed for Socrates was going to be executed for doing something ‘wrong’ so wanted to doing something ‘wrong’ so wanted to find out what ‘wrong’ actually meant.find out what ‘wrong’ actually meant.