Philip Pettit, although he considers himself somewhat partial to contract theory, argues, in the end, that contract theory is unable to provide a complete grounding for morality. According to Pettit, contract theory either has to give way ultimately to consequentialism, in that the deliberative parties concerned in the formation of the moral paradigm must have... Continue Reading →
Derby Day
Today is derby day in Kentucky. It always sparks a few conversations among Christians to consider whether or not Derby watching is an acceptable practice for the faithful. On the negative side, the races are, of course, owned and operated by organized gambling. The entire industry is tainted with gambling. Also, the actual event is,... Continue Reading →
Moral Contract
Related to utilitarianism (greatest good for greatest number) and consequentialism (choose the best consequence) is the notion of moral contractarianism. You have most likely heard it referred to as “social contract.” The notion is simple enough; moral norms and constraints on conduct ought to be freely acceptable to people and designed for their mutual benefit. ... Continue Reading →
No Demand Morality
We have heard from Peter Vallentyne that consequentialism without rules has problems. One problem of particular note is the problem of “maximizing” demands. If consequentialism is true, then we must always and forever act in such a way that the greater good is served, but this moral demand is too restrictive, confining, and demanding. It... Continue Reading →
Back to Consequences
Ok, we took a detour to the movies. Now, back to ethics. We have looked at Shaw's plea for choosing the action that brings about the best consequences. Today, we will hear from Peter Vallentyne on why Consequentialism cannot stand alone. Peter Vallentyne takes issue with the kind of consequentialism proposed by William Shaw. Vallentyne... Continue Reading →
I Am Legend
Ok, I need to take a break today from outlines of ethics and offer a brief critique of the movie I Am Legend. I wasn't sure of what to make of this movie from the previews, but I can tell you that I was pleasantly surprised at how the movie turned out. There was no... Continue Reading →
Action Consequences
William Shaw, “The Consequentialist Perspective,” in Contemporary Debates in Moral Theory, James Dreier, editor (Blackwell Publishing: Malden, 2006), 5-20. Shaw, not a professing Christian as far as I know, approaches ethics from a consequentialist perspective. The consequentialist views rightness or wrongness as a consequence of action. If you choose to swerve your car so... Continue Reading →
Budziszewski
I have heard the name pronounced “Boo-jee-shef-skee.” So, that’s what I’m going to call him, or Dr. Bu. for short. This book is an amazing resource for understanding natural law theory, as well as both an able-bodied and easily accessible defense of the doctrine of natural law. The book begins with a “read-along” guide... Continue Reading →
Curran Catholicism
Charles E. Curran, Catholic Moral Tradition Today (Georgetown Press, 1999). Bishop Curran was ordained as a Catholic priest back in 1958 in the Rochester, NY, diocese. Shortly after this, he began to be a questionable sort of Catholic, leading a charge with a few hundred other priests to oppose Pope Paul VI's now infamous... Continue Reading →
Muslim Milestones
Seyyid Qutb, Milestones, Dr al-Ilm (Damascus, Syria). (I have heard it pronounced "Koot-buh," with the last syllable pronounced very quickly). This is a book Dr. Mark Coppenger describes as “bed-time reading for Osama bin Laden.” This book was referenced by both Huckabee and Romney in the Republican presidential debates. At any rate, this book... Continue Reading →
James Cone Black Liberation
I am beginning a new series of book reviews for you. Each day, I will put out a new book review for you in the area of ethics. Many of you keep up with theology and biblical studies, but you may not be as familiar with ethics. Ethics is, of course, an area that affects... Continue Reading →
San Angelo Suspicions
My suspicions are turning out to be true according to this recent article. Notice particularly the quote from a UCLA law professor. Now, I'm not given to agreement often with UCLA lawyers, but I think this fellow has a valid point about which we all--especially Christians--should be concerned. Here's the quote: Eugene Volokh, a UCLA law... Continue Reading →
San Angelo
Ok, loudly and clearly, let's all agree it is wrong to force children to marry adults. Laws against statutory rape are (we can agree) very good laws. Adults do not have any business having sexual intercourse with children. These things being said, I have some questions about the LDS sect in San Angelo. More than... Continue Reading →
Olympic Persecution
Many have begun to protest China. I read yesterday that a human rights torch relay is taking place all across the USA. I have linked an article here which demonstrates that the Chinese government has a thorough cleansing policy ahead of the '08 Olympics. The article tells of the persecution of 2 Christians in particular... Continue Reading →
Another Ill-fated Peace Ploy
I cannot imagine how King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia will ever pull off this ambitious attempt to dialogue with Jews and Christians. Apparently, he is trying to arrange a summit for the world’s monotheistic religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. But it isn’t clear that Jews would be invited, even though they represent the Torah and... Continue Reading →
Gregory C. Cochran 