Religious Ideas - Joseph Butler

Question 1

Autonomous

Answer 1

Con is self directing and independent
An intuitive moral judge , we know everything intuitively (internally and naturally) when were using ou con because we feel ourselves weighing bet our love of self and love of others
Autonomous - natural ability given by god and must be followed as its god given and our duty is to follow god

Question 2

Con in human nature

Answer 2

A ‘superior principle of reflection’
Con is in human nature: reflective principle placed w/in us by GOd
God placed it in us as as a natural guide so our duty to follow - we are able to morally reflect on what we’ve done in past and what we will do in future
All humans have reflective sense of right and wrong

Question 3

2 governing principles to human beh

Answer 3

Prudence: love of self/egoism, nec for ppl to love others and not same as selfishness
Benevolence: love of others/altruism, ideal but not nec. Possible at all time

Both are essential to balanced self
What is required for inds to function morally and effectively = balance bet. Prudence and benevolence

Con judges bet. Ben and pru - we know intuitively when we are planning or made decision - feel balance bet self love and love for others

Question 4

Con is automatic and unconscious

Answer 4

‘Magisterially exerts itself without being consulted’
Con = process of intuitive judgement against conflicting desires rather than rational reflection, distinct instruction from god

Final say in moral decisions

Distinguishes us from animals and makes us distinctly human - seen often in media where those who ignore con = orchestration of genocides are desc. As being less than human