Why this book?
- A philosophical examination of one of the oldest problems at the boundary between ethics and religion.
- Provides a clear explanation of the divine command theory and the critiques and defenses related to it.
- Compares theistic and atheistic views on the foundation of morality.
- An introduction to the links between morality, practical reason, evolution, and empirical science.
- An educational and accessible text for students and enthusiasts of the philosophy of ethics and religion.
About the book
"Ethics and Religion" by Harry J. Gensler is a work in the fields of philosophy of ethics and philosophy of religion that examines the question of what the relationship is between belief in God and moral commitments. The central problem of the book is whether God is the source and foundation of morality, or whether morality can have meaning and validity without relying on religion.
In the first part of the book, Gensler addresses the divine command theory; a view according to which God's command and will are the source of moral obligations. He then examines natural law theory; a theory that considers moral truths to be independent of God's direct will and links them to reason and human nature. The author tries to introduce both views with their argumentative strengths and ultimately defends the natural law approach.
Another part of the book is dedicated to the relationship between morality and atheism. Gensler examines how atheists defend the possibility of a morality independent of religion and what critiques they level against the link between morality and religious belief. Topics such as the relationship between evolution, empirical science, and morality with religion are also examined in this work.
With its clear prose and educational structure, this book is suitable for students of philosophy, theology, religious studies, and readers interested in fundamental questions about ethics and religion.
From the table of contents
- 1Ethics as Divine Commands
- 2Natural Law Theory
- 3Atheist Moral Theories