Heteronomy

1
Heteronomy

• The Relationship Between Morality and Religion

2
Heteronomy

• Morality depends on religious belief (no religion
  no morals)
• Religious people make moral decisions using their
  individual reason and conscience.
• This is influenced by religious belief through
  Scripture, Tradition and Religious Figures and
  Leaders

3

• Example When a Catholic would consider
  euthanasia, they would be influenced by the
  teachings of their religion (e.g. the Bible,
  Pope, etc). Their decision would not be the
  result of purely inward reflection, but the
  result of their reason combines with the
  religious rules they follow. They would probably
  decide against euthanasia.

4

• The argument from Heteronomy is strong because
• Society has historically been more religious
  than not. In Britain, much of our laws and
  customs come out of Christianity.
• Whenever we talk about good and bad we are
  using words that have been shaped (in Britain) by
  the historic religion of Christianity in other
  countries their notions of good and bad also
  reflect their historical dominant religion.
• Therefore, some argue that although people in the
  West may be more secular today, they are using
  morality borne out of religion!

5

• Also, the aim of most religions is in some way to
  overcome selfishness.
• Philosophers argue that people are intrinsically
  selfish beings.
• Without religious influences (current and
  historically) there could arise no moral
  framework that combats selfishness.
• There would be no rules like treat others as
  you wish to be treated etc.
• If you are a religious person, you also have the
  extra motivation to behave morally to please your
  God or avoid punishment by her.