Lecture on Relativism and Catholic Morality
Introduction
- Speaker: Former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)
- Main Idea: Critique of "dictatorship of relativism," a society that promotes the idea that truth and morality are subjective and individual.
The Concept of "Dictatorship of Relativism"
- Definition: A societal norm where individuals are encouraged to accept all beliefs as equally valid and are discouraged from imposing their moral views on others.
- Contradiction: Relativism suggests "live and let live," yet insists on its own correctness, which is inherently absolute.
Relativism vs. Catholic Morality
- Objective Morality: Catholic morality asserts that certain truths, including moral truths, are objective, similar to scientific facts.
- Examples:
- Abortion is viewed as morally wrong by Catholics, not just subjectively but based on objective moral truths.
- The contradiction in relativism: All truth is relative, yet this statement is made as an absolute.
Arguments Against Relativism
Argument from Disagreement
- Claim: Disagreement on moral issues suggests that morality is subjective.
- Counter-Argument: Disagreement exists in objective fields like math, yet math is not considered relative. Hence, moral disagreement doesn't disprove objective morality.
Universal Moral Norms
- Many societies share common moral norms, such as courage over cowardice and treating others as one wishes to be treated.
Moral Dilemmas
- Examples: Trolley problem, lifeboat dilemma.
- Analysis: Though people disagree on solutions, these dilemmas suggest there is always a correct answer, indicating objective morality.
Judgmentalism
- Claim: Stating moral facts is judgmental.
- Counter-Argument: The belief that judgmentalism is universally wrong refutes relativism and supports objective morality.
Consequences of Relativism
- Historical reference to the Book of Judges in the Bible where lack of moral standards led to atrocities.
- Key Verse: Judges 21:25 - "Every man did what was right in his own eyes," illustrating the dangers of relativism.
Conclusion
- Need for a Moral Standard: To discern right from wrong, a consistent moral framework is necessary.
- Invitation: Join School of Apologetics to learn and defend Catholic faith and morality through self-paced courses.
Note: These notes summarize key points from the lecture, emphasizing the critique of relativism and the argument for objective morality as per Catholic teachings.