Who Am I to Judge? Politics and the Problem of Moral Relativism | Prof. Francis Beckwith
Jun 19, 2020
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Prof. Francis Beckwith discusses moral relativism and political disagreements, contrasting it with moral objectivism. They explore moral disagreement using examples like interpretations of legal clauses and differing views on abortion. The podcast delves into the concepts of moral objectivism and relativism, justifications for moral standards, and the influence of natural law on moral decision-making.
Moral claims differ from preferences, clarifying ethical debates.
Disagreement in moral beliefs doesn't disprove objective moral truths.
Deep dives
Distinction Between Moral and Preference Claims
Making a clear differentiation between moral claims and preference claims, the podcast highlights how moral statements, such as condemning torture, carry a different weight than mere preference statements like ice cream flavor choices. People often confuse these categories, leading to misunderstandings in ethical debates.
Disagreements Over Morality
Exploring the argument from disagreement, the podcast delves into the observation that diverse cultures and individuals have differing moral beliefs. However, it counters the moral relativism notion by providing objections to this argument, emphasizing that the mere existence of disagreement does not negate the existence of objective moral truths.
Counterintuitive Consequences of Relativism
Discussing the counterintuitive consequences of moral relativism, the podcast highlights instances where accepting relativism leads to questionable beliefs or behaviors. It challenges the notion that moral relativism always promotes tolerance, pointing out instances where relativistic views can result in morally unsettling conclusions.
Natural Law and Objective Morality
Touching upon the concept of natural law and objective morality, the podcast draws insights from philosophical perspectives like those of Aquinas. It debates on issues such as abortion, highlighting the complexities of moral reasoning and the implications of recognizing universal principles amidst debates on subjective moral relativism.
This lecture was presented by the campus chapter of the Thomistic Institute at the University of Arizona on February 27, 2020.
Prof. Francis J. Beckwith is Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies at Baylor University, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Graduate Program in Philosophy. Among his over one dozen books are "Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice" (Cambridge University Press, 2007), "Politics For Christians: Statecraft As Soulcraft" (IVP, 2010), and "Taking Rites Seriously: Law, Politics, and the Reasonableness of Faith" (Cambridge University Press, 2015), winner of the American Academy of Religion's prestigious 2016 Book Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion in Constructive-Reflective Studies. He is a graduate of the Washington University School of Law, St. Louis (MJS) as well as Fordham University (PhD, MA, philosophy).
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