The Moral Argument

Question 1

Define The Moral Argument

Answer 1

The fact that we have a moral faculty (the ability to tell right from wrong) implies God’s existence

Question 2

Define Kant’s meaning of practical reason

Answer 2

arguments about what needs to be assumed in order for some human experience to make sense

Question 3

Summary of Kant’s argument for free will

Answer 3

• it cannot be proved through pure reason
• we have to assume we have free will because we have a moral duty/obligation
• if we don’t have free will, moral obligations don’t make sense
• “ought implies can” => argument from practical reason

Question 4

Summary of Kant’s argument of God

Answer 4

• we want a world where our good will is matched with rewards ie: “summum bonum” (highest good we could achieve)
• no individual soul is capable of rewarding another soul => we have to assume there is a divine judge ie: God

Question 5

Outline C.S Lewis’ Moral Argument

Answer 5

1. Everyone knows and so believes that there are objective moral truths
2. Objective moral laws are peculiar and different to “natural” facts as they make us feel a particular way
3. An intelligence behind objective moral facts is the best explanation for these facts
4. These support the existence of God