Constructivism and Moral Arguments for God: Exploring the Foundations of Moral Truth

Dr. Christian Miller, AC Reid Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest University, delivers an insightful lecture on the intersections of constructivism and moral arguments for the existence of God. Dr. Miller, whose work is extensively supported by Templeton Grant projects, engages deeply with contemporary ethics and the philosophy of religion, examining the nature of moral truths through the lens of constructivism versus moral realism.

In his exploration, Miller presents a sophisticated discussion on whether moral truths are merely human constructs influenced by societal and individual responses, or if they exist independently of our constructions. This critical analysis is framed around a philosophical dilemma akin to the Euthyphro dilemma in religious ethics, challenging the foundational aspects of how moral truths are determined and their implications for philosophical theology.

The lecture is essential viewing for philosophers interested in the latest debates in metaethics and the philosophy of religion. Miller's nuanced approach not only elucidates the complex dynamics between human cognitive processes and moral normativity but also probes the potential impacts of these theories on classical moral arguments for the existence of God. His presentation is a significant contribution to ongoing philosophical discussions and is poised to stimulate further scholarly dialogue and inquiry.

The Problem of Evil and the Moral Argument

Houston Christian University hosted a conference on the Moral Argument in March 2023.

This conference is based on a forthcoming Oxford University Press book co-edited by David Bagget and John Hare on the moral argument. It includes 27 chapters covering theistic ethics, secular ethics, moral realism, and alternatives. The book inspired the conference, which was organized by Dave and John at HCU. Around 20 contributors accepted the invitation, resulting in this two-day event.

The conference features three Gifford lecturers, two of whom are present, and three former presidents of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Speakers have come from various places, including England, New Zealand, California, Florida, Yale, and the United States Naval Academy, representing diverse religious backgrounds.

The central theme of the conference is a discussion about the foundations of ethics, with a focus on the idea that ethical truth is transcendent, authoritative, sacred, and divine. Moral arguments for God's existence are rooted in this concept, emphasizing the objectivity and prescriptivity of morality.

In this lecture, Paul Copan argues that far from undermining the rationality of belief in God the problem of evil, actually reinforces the moral argument for theism by highlighting the inadequacy of atheistic and naturalistic explanations for the moral dimensions of our world. The theistic perspective, with its emphasis on divine justice, redemption, and the ultimate resolution of evil, is presented as offering a more satisfying account of the human condition and our longing for meaning, goodness, and justice in the face of suffering and evil.

Naturalism and Normativity: Cornell Realism - Daniel Bonevac

Houston Christian University hosted a conference on the Moral Argument in March.

This conference is based on a forthcoming Oxford University Press book co-edited by David Bagget and John Hare on the moral argument. It includes 27 chapters covering theistic ethics, secular ethics, moral realism, and alternatives. The book inspired the conference, which was organized by Dave and John at HCU. Around 20 contributors accepted the invitation, resulting in this two-day event.

The conference features three Gifford lecturers, two of whom are present, and three former presidents of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Speakers have come from various places, including England, New Zealand, California, Florida, Yale, and the United States Naval Academy, representing diverse religious backgrounds.

The central theme of the conference is a discussion about the foundations of ethics, with a focus on the idea that ethical truth is transcendent, authoritative, sacred, and divine. Moral arguments for God's existence are rooted in this concept, emphasizing the objectivity and prescriptivity of morality.

This lecture is from Dr. Daniel Bonevac, professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. He specializes in metaphysics, philosophy of mathematics, semantics, and philosophical logic. Dr. Bonevac has authored several books, received prestigious awards, and published articles in notable philosophy journals. He will be presenting on "Naturalism and Normativity: Cornell Realism."