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| Module
Six: Session Two |
- The purpose of this section is to prove that
normative claims are often objective and absolute. Many people
believe that all moral beliefs are subjective and a "matter
of opinion." People
think this for two main reasons. First, they are taught this
(more accurately "propagandized") in school and through
the media. Second, they see that moral issues are sometimes a
matter of disagreement, so they conclude that these issues are
a matter of mere opinion. (You may wish to review the nature
of truth and the nature of claims before continuing.)
- "Disagreement" is not equal to "no right answer."
If you found yourself in a discussion with someone who insisted
that people lived on the moon, would you say that you were
both right? Of course not. The person who says people live
on the moon is wrong, no matter how intensely they believe
it.
- At this point, some people say that morality is different,
because you can prove that no one lives on the moon, but no one
can prove anything about morality. This is shallow thinking at
best, and it is difficult to accept that anyone really believes
it (even though plenty of people say it).
- Ask yourself this question, Do you have any beliefs about what
is right or wrong? Of course you do. You almost certainly think
it would be wrong for someone to kill you after class. We hold
a position and argue it because we believe it is true, not only
for ourselves, but for everyone. If the position weren't worth
arguing, it wouldn't be worth holding.
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