a) Being virtuous (having good character) requires acting based upon
explanatory reasons, not just enumerative ones.
Let's use the example of a person who frequently contributes to a neighborhood charity to
demonstrate the truth of this assertion. This behavior may be motivated by a variety of factors,
such as tax deductions or social recognition. Despite the fact that these enumerative motives
influence charitable deeds, virtue probes the "why" behind the deeds. In this situation,
explanatory factors for virtue might include a sincere interest in resolving social problems, a
dedication to empathy, and a strong conviction in the significance of easing suffering. Virtuous
character emphasizes the importance of behaving from a place of ethical awareness and empathy
and extends beyond simple actions to encompass the motivations and ideals that underlie those
actions.
b) If scripture explicitly says something is wrong, then that's enough to show
it's wrong for us (no more thinking required).
Consider the possibility that a previous religious text might have expressly endorsed actions that
we now all find morally repugnant, like human sacrifice. It would be unethical to blindly follow
such instructions without critical thought since it would ignore how society is changing, how
human rights work, and how compassion works. This counterexample emphasizes the need for
critical ethical reasoning even when religious scriptures provide specific instructions, stressing
the significance of exercising moral judgment and taking into account the ethical development of
civilizations.
explanatory reasons, not just enumerative ones.
Let's use the example of a person who frequently contributes to a neighborhood charity to
demonstrate the truth of this assertion. This behavior may be motivated by a variety of factors,
such as tax deductions or social recognition. Despite the fact that these enumerative motives
influence charitable deeds, virtue probes the "why" behind the deeds. In this situation,
explanatory factors for virtue might include a sincere interest in resolving social problems, a
dedication to empathy, and a strong conviction in the significance of easing suffering. Virtuous
character emphasizes the importance of behaving from a place of ethical awareness and empathy
and extends beyond simple actions to encompass the motivations and ideals that underlie those
actions.
b) If scripture explicitly says something is wrong, then that's enough to show
it's wrong for us (no more thinking required).
Consider the possibility that a previous religious text might have expressly endorsed actions that
we now all find morally repugnant, like human sacrifice. It would be unethical to blindly follow
such instructions without critical thought since it would ignore how society is changing, how
human rights work, and how compassion works. This counterexample emphasizes the need for
critical ethical reasoning even when religious scriptures provide specific instructions, stressing
the significance of exercising moral judgment and taking into account the ethical development of
civilizations.
