Philosophy
.docx
School
Walden University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
NURS 5052
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 26, 2024
Pages
6
Uploaded by SuperHumanSandpiper4763
Surname 1Name:Professor:Course:Date: PhilosophyThesisIn this essay, I evaluate the philosophical puzzle “If God exists, is murder immoral? Can those who do not believe in God be highly moral people? Can people who practice different religions agree about how to resolve a moral disagreement?" In my presentation, I argue that murder is indeed immoral and that it is possible for individuals who do not believe in God to be highly moral people. I similarly submit that different religious faiths are always able to come to an agreement in order to resolve a moral issue. Annotated BibliographyEvans, Jules. Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations: Ancient Philosophy for Modern Problems. , 2013. Print.This book is important in the paper given that it has highlighted some of the reasons that people always give for taking part in immoral activities. The author stresses the need for individuals to live a morally upright life. According him those who do not understand the principles of self-respect and do not see any value in them living a morally upright life should consider seeking guidance from the Church or the religions that they associate with.
Surname 2Lachs, John. The Relevance of Philosophy to Life. Nashville, Tenn: Vanderbilt Univ. Press, 2015. Print.The book is important in the research paper given that it highlights the significance of individuals living a morally upright life. According to the author, a large segment of the present generation does not believe in doing things the hard way instead opting for immoral ways that are not impactful. In this regard, the author stresses on the significance of living a moral life. He highlights the need to earn self-respect and the need to value the communities within which we reside. Miller, James. The Philosophical Life. New York: Oneworld Publications, 2012. Internet resource.This source is important in the paper given that it highlights the role of religion and values in life. According to the author the rate of immorality is declining across the world. However this should not be provided as an excuse for the crimes being carried out. As such, the author advises on the need for individuals to embrace religion, for it is the only way through which people can make sense of some of the challenges that they are facing over the course of life. MurderIn case God exists, murder is undeniably immoral. This assertion is based on the fact that there are a lot of Biblical verses that caution individuals against committing murder. The book ofExodus 20:13 warns individuals that they should commit murder. The same goes for Exodus 23:7 in which God is warning against putting an innocent person to death, for he will not acquit
Surname 3the guilty. Murder is equally immoral given that it is regarded as an evil act in the book of 1 John3:11-12. In the book the author reminds individuals to refrain from taking part in evil acts such as Cain who murdered his brother Abel for mistakes that were his own. Another reason why murder is immoral according to the teachings of God is contained in Genesis 9:5-6. In the book, God warns against spilling the blood of other humans, as those who will be found guilty of having committed murder will be murdered in the same way. From the discussion above, it can be noted that murder is immoral as per the teachings of God. The rate of murder has been on the rise over the past five years. This can be demonstrated by the number of mass shootings and terrorist funded activities that has been carried out over the duration. In as much as the perpetrators always have a reason for their actions, it is important for them to know that God exists and that in his eyes they have been committing immoral acts. As such, it is important for individuals to respect the sanctity of human life and avoid the frequent shedding of blood. MoralityIt is quite possible for individuals who do not believe in God to be highly moral in their approach to life. In the past, a belief has always been driven that only people who believe in Godare morally upright and that those who do not believe in God are not morally upright. However, instances have arisen where Christians and those who believe in other religious faiths take part inactivities that are not in line with the principles of their faith. An example is the case of pastors who collect resources from members of their congregation that they channel to the accumulation of their own wealth instead of helping the less fortunate within the community. In as much as such pastors always believe in God, their intentions are not always right (Evans 72). On the other
Surname 4hand, it is possible for an individual who does not believe in God to be morally upright. Such an instance is likely to arise in case an individual knows the difference that exists between the right and wrong things. Being morally upright involves being kind to not only friends and family members but to strangers as well. Such people are always kind by nature and to them it does not matter whether or not they know an individual. There are several Christians who are always quick to anger even in instances where they need to be mindful and understanding. At the same time, there are individuals who do not believe in God, but exhibit patience and understanding in each activity that they are taking part in (Lachs 118). Such individuals hold that whereas the world often moves fast, it is important for them to always hold themselves patiently and wait for things to fallinto perspective. Over the recent past, it has been noted that the degree of trustworthiness and honesty among individuals who believe in God has been declining. As a result many people who believe in various faiths have been guilty of committing offences of different degrees. On the other hand, a non-believer can be honest and trustworthy while dealing with everything. Such people always have respect for anyone irrespective of their profession and age. In as much as some individuals claim that they see no value in being morally upright, being good and being morally upright is the only way through which self- respect can be earned. As asserted by past philosophy scholars individuals can only have self-respect in case they respect the person who they are. Besides, only people who have self-respect are always able to make fair assessment of situations. Individuals who do not have knowledge of self on the other hand always end up making wrong decisions that impact the quality of life that they always have.Additionally, it is imperative for individuals to be morally upright given that it is the only way through which individuals can understand the true value of the world (Evans 77). Individuals
Surname 5who lack self-knowledge on the other hand make decisions that negatively impact the community. Some of the decisions that such people always make involve cutting down of trees, as they see value in the money that they earn from the sale of timber and not for the role that it plays in making the environment stable. Being morally upright is similarly the only way throughwhich individuals can be happy in life, for those who are unhappy tend to be dissatisfied with a lot of things including issues that they are the ones who are responsible for. Different Religions and Moral DisagreementsMajor religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism differ on the basis of their main principles. In spite of these differences, it is possible for different religions to agree on a particular aspect if it is related to morality. One of the issues where the different religious affiliations have come out to speak against is that of euthanasia. Segments of the population havebeen agitating for the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide on the basis that individuals who are suffering from chronic conditions have the right to die in a dignified manner instead of passing on after they have lost their ability to live their lives (Miller 89). Different religious affiliations have however come out to speak against euthanasia arguing that the practice is totallyagainst the will of God. According to the religions in as much as God has given human beings free will, they should not do anything that is against God’s will, as such actions are punishable. The religions have further been stressing that all individuals are the creations of God and that they should be treated with the respect that they deserve. Another reason that they have been giving against euthanasia is the fact that as the creator, God has the right over all human lives and that he should be given the chance to determine the duration that an individual lives. Anotherreason why the religions are against euthanasia is their assertion that there is value in the suffering of human beings.
Surname 6Another reason why the religions are likely to agree on a common issue regarding morality is the fact that in as much as they are different, they share specific principles. Some of the principles that are shared across all the major religions include the golden rule, which states that individuals should do unto others that which they want others to do for them. Another common belief that is shared by all the major religions is the fact that it is important for believersto speak the truth at all times (Miller 93). Their assertion is that being sincere is the only way to heaven. ConclusionIn concluding, it is imperative to note that the question of morality has been one of the most discussed topics over the recent years. This has been due to the rise in cases that go against the beliefs of several communities. The debate has further been complicated by the view that individuals always have a reason why they carry out specific activities or behave in a given manner. In spite of the ideological differences, it is important for communities to set given principles that govern their operations. This is largely because by failing to check the way peoplecarry themselves out, communities will be opening their boarders to pollution by individuals whoare immoral. That explains why most of the individuals committing terrorist activities within the United States are largely US citizens. They are often recruited after being contacted by elements of terrorist organizations who always manage to get into the United States.