Moral Subjectivism - Lecture 4, Part 2
David Hume's Critique of Christianity
Overview of David Hume's Philosophy
- David Hume (1711-1776) was a prominent philosopher known for his critical stance on Christianity, particularly in his work "Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion," where he argues against the design argument.
- In "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding," Hume presents a famous argument against miracles, which has been influential for over two centuries, asserting that miracles cannot be proven.
Moral Absolutes and Subjectivism
- Hume challenged the notion of moral absolutes, which were widely accepted by philosophers like Aristotle and Plato. He questioned how universal moral truths could exist if morality is subjective.
- The discussion includes natural laws proposed by philosophers such as John Locke and Thomas Aquinas, who believed these laws should guide human behavior.
The Argument for Subjectivism
- Hume posits that knowledge must be observable through the senses; anything beyond sensory experience is mere opinion. This leads to the conclusion that morality is subjective.
- He emphasizes that while people may disagree about scientific facts, they cannot agree on moral truths since they are not perceivable through the five senses.
The Nature of Morality
- According to Hume, if moral absolutes exist, one should be able to point them out physically. His assertion is that morality is constructed by individuals rather than being inherent or objective.
- He concludes that personal approval or disapproval defines right and wrong; thus, individuals become authors of their own moral codes.
Augustine's Influence on Moral Philosophy
Augustine's Background
- Augustine struggled with reconciling physical existence with concepts of good and evil during his time as a Manichaean. He believed everything was material and sought to understand morality within this framework.
Good and Evil in Physical Terms
- Augustine theorized that good and evil are part of the physical universe; they spread throughout space similarly to matter. This view led him to see humans as pawns in a cosmic struggle between good and evil forces.
Transition from Materialism to Christianity
- Unlike many materialists who abandon morality altogether, Augustine maintained belief in an objective right and wrong but had difficulty conceptualizing non-material existence until he encountered Platonic philosophy.
Conversion Experience
- After doubting everything about his beliefs, Augustine read Platonist texts which opened his mind to immaterial realities. This shift prepared him for his eventual conversion to Christianity.
The Philosophical Journey Towards Understanding God
Challenges in Comprehending Divinity
- Augustine found it difficult to accept traditional views of God due to his materialistic background; he viewed God as immense matter rather than an immaterial being.
Struggles with Evil
- He perceived evil as a tangible substance permeating space, complicating his understanding of divine goodness within a physicalist worldview.
Conclusion: A Shift in Perspective
The Philosophical Journey of René Descartes
Introduction to Descartes and His Philosophy
- René Descartes, a Christian philosopher from the late 15th to early 1600s, authored "Meditations on First Philosophy," where he encourages readers to doubt everything.
- Descartes emphasizes reason as a tool for understanding reality, influenced by Augustine's philosophical journey. He aims to prove God's existence and the distinction between soul and body.
The Challenge of Convincing Skeptics
- Recognizing that many people think only in physical terms, similar to Augustine, Descartes seeks a radical approach to engage them in considering spiritual concepts.
- To facilitate this shift in thinking, he proposes a thought experiment involving an evil demon that deceives perceptions, prompting readers to question their beliefs.
Methodology: Doubting Everything