Do you agree with this argument? Why or why not? Argument: The Moral Argument for the Existence
Question:
Do you agree with this argument? Why or why not?
Argument: The Moral Argument for the Existence of God
The moral argument for the existence of God is a philosophical argument that posits the existence of a divine being based on the existence of objective moral values and duties in the world. This argument suggests that the existence of moral principles that guide human behavior and the recognition of moral obligations imply the existence of a moral lawgiver, which is typically identified as God (Stephen, 2014).
Standard-Form Categorical Syllogism -
Major Premise (Universal Affirmative):
All actions guided by objective moral values and duties require a moral lawgiver.
Minor Premise (Particular Affirmative):
Human actions are guided by objective moral values and duties.
Conclusion (Particular Affirmative):
Therefore, human actions require a moral lawgiver.
Analysis:
In this argument, the major premise establishes a general principle that all actions are guided by objective moral values and duties of a moral lawgiver. The minor premise asserts that human actions are indeed guided by objective moral values and duties. The conclusion then logically follows that human actions require a moral lawgiver. The major term (predicate) is "require a moral lawgiver," the minor term (subject) is "human actions," and the middle term is "actions guided by objective moral values and duties." The argument uses affirmative copulas ("require," "are guided") in both premises and the conclusion, maintaining consistency throughout the syllogism.
References:
Stephen, E. C. (2014). Moral Arguments for the Existence of God (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Stanford.edu. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-arguments-god/
Core Concepts of Accounting Information Systems
ISBN: 978-1118022306
12th edition
Authors: Mark G. Simkin, Jacob M. Rose, Carolyn S. Norman