Notes on "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis: Some Objections

Key Concepts

• Moral Law vs. Instincts

  • Moral law differs from herd instinct; it's not simply an evolved instinct.
  • Instincts prompt desires (e.g., mother love, sexual instinct).
  • Moral law: dictates what you ought to do, even against strongest instincts.

• Judging Between Instincts

  • Moral law acts as a judge between conflicting instincts.
  • Example: Hearing a cry for help invokes both help and self-preservation instincts.
  • Moral law guides us to choose helping over self-preservation.
  • It's like music notation guiding which keys to play, not a key itself.

• Conflict of Instincts

  • Moral law often sides with weaker impulse (e.g., helping rather than seeking safety).
  • Moral law is not an impulse; it encourages us to strengthen the right impulse.

• Moral Law vs. Single Impulses

  • No impulse is inherently good or always in line with moral law.
  • Situations require different impulses (e.g., mother love, patriotism may need suppression).
  • Explains that moral law makes a harmonious tune, directing instincts.

Practical Consequences

• Danger of Single Impulse
  • Setting one impulse as the absolute guide (e.g., love of humanity) can lead to negative outcomes.
  • Example: Without justice, love for humanity leads to deceit or cruelty.

Moral Law vs. Social Convention

• Misunderstanding

  • Moral law is not a mere social convention taught by education.
  • Similar to learning math, moral law reflects real truths, not just human invention.

• Universality of Moral Law

  • Moral rules show consistency across cultures and times, unlike conventions.
  • Moral progress implies some moral ideas are better, indicating a real morality standard.

• Standard of Real Morality

  • Comparing moral ideas implies a standard of real rightness.
  • Different moralities judged against this standard.

Addressing Differences

• Differences in Belief, Not Morality
  • Differences are often about facts, not moral principles.
  • Example: Execution of witches was based on belief in witches' existence, not moral difference.
  • Change in belief about facts (e.g., existence of witches) reflects knowledge, not morality shift.