Constructivism and Moral Arguments for God: Exploring the Foundations of Moral Truth

Dr. Christian Miller, AC Reid Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest University, delivers an insightful lecture on the intersections of constructivism and moral arguments for the existence of God. Dr. Miller, whose work is extensively supported by Templeton Grant projects, engages deeply with contemporary ethics and the philosophy of religion, examining the nature of moral truths through the lens of constructivism versus moral realism.

In his exploration, Miller presents a sophisticated discussion on whether moral truths are merely human constructs influenced by societal and individual responses, or if they exist independently of our constructions. This critical analysis is framed around a philosophical dilemma akin to the Euthyphro dilemma in religious ethics, challenging the foundational aspects of how moral truths are determined and their implications for philosophical theology.

The lecture is essential viewing for philosophers interested in the latest debates in metaethics and the philosophy of religion. Miller's nuanced approach not only elucidates the complex dynamics between human cognitive processes and moral normativity but also probes the potential impacts of these theories on classical moral arguments for the existence of God. His presentation is a significant contribution to ongoing philosophical discussions and is poised to stimulate further scholarly dialogue and inquiry.

The Persuasive Power of the Moral Argument (Podcast ft. David Baggett)

Frm the SAFT Podcast:

Ever wondered why we can't find any human who has kept the moral code to the letter? Where do we get the sense of guilt and shame from? And why is it that the most rational thing to do is not the most right thing to do? Wondering how these observations add up? Join us as the world's leading expert on the moral argument walks us through on how to use these realisations about morality to point towards God.

The Problem of Evil and the Moral Argument

Houston Christian University hosted a conference on the Moral Argument in March 2023.

This conference is based on a forthcoming Oxford University Press book co-edited by David Bagget and John Hare on the moral argument. It includes 27 chapters covering theistic ethics, secular ethics, moral realism, and alternatives. The book inspired the conference, which was organized by Dave and John at HCU. Around 20 contributors accepted the invitation, resulting in this two-day event.

The conference features three Gifford lecturers, two of whom are present, and three former presidents of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Speakers have come from various places, including England, New Zealand, California, Florida, Yale, and the United States Naval Academy, representing diverse religious backgrounds.

The central theme of the conference is a discussion about the foundations of ethics, with a focus on the idea that ethical truth is transcendent, authoritative, sacred, and divine. Moral arguments for God's existence are rooted in this concept, emphasizing the objectivity and prescriptivity of morality.

In this lecture, Paul Copan argues that far from undermining the rationality of belief in God the problem of evil, actually reinforces the moral argument for theism by highlighting the inadequacy of atheistic and naturalistic explanations for the moral dimensions of our world. The theistic perspective, with its emphasis on divine justice, redemption, and the ultimate resolution of evil, is presented as offering a more satisfying account of the human condition and our longing for meaning, goodness, and justice in the face of suffering and evil.

Eighth Theistic Ethics Workshop

Georgetown University is hosting the Eighth Theistic Ethics Workshop from September 26 to 28, 2024, an event that promises to be a significant gathering for scholars at the intersection of theism and ethics. Organized by Christian Miller of Wake Forest University, Mark Murphy of Georgetown University, and Chris Tucker of William & Mary, this workshop aims to stimulate scholarly discussion and inspire new research directions in the fields of philosophy of religion, meta-ethics, and normative theory. Invited speakers include Matthew Benton of Seattle Pacific University, Ben Bradley of Syracuse University, Amy Flowerree of Texas Tech University, Meghan Sullivan of the University of Notre Dame, and Christian Miller of Wake Forest University, covering a wide array of topics from divine command theories to the ethical implications of religious beliefs.

The workshop not only features invited papers but also opens the floor for submissions from other scholars, encouraging a diverse dialogue on topics such as the role of God in natural law, moral arguments for the existence of a theistic being, and ethical issues within major religions. Interested individuals are invited to submit an abstract and a C.V. by June 1, 2024, for a chance to present their work. The event emphasizes inclusivity in its programming and aims to facilitate a balanced and comprehensive discussion on the various aspects of theistic ethics.

Thanks to generous support from the Robert L. McDevitt, K.S.G., K.C.H.S, and Catherine H. McDevitt, L.C.H.S Chair in Religious Philosophy, authors of selected abstracts will have their expenses fully covered, including travel. This initiative underscores the workshop's commitment to fostering an engaging and accessible platform for academic exchange. For more details or to submit an abstract, interested parties are encouraged to contact Mark Murphy at Mark.Murphy@georgetown.edu, marking this workshop as a pivotal opportunity for advancing dialogue and research in theistic ethics.