Morality and Rationality

[Pumbelo]

Some time ago, I thought about an interesting version of a transcendental argument.

A transcendental argument from morality usually states that moral relativists can't really condemn certain deeds without relying on the assumption of objective moral values.

Here's what I was thinking:

Moral truths are about what we ought to do.

Usually, discussions go like this:
"We ought not to kill" (for example).
"Why?"
"Because it's wrong."
etc.

Any weak spots in this line of reasoning are not important for the topic here, so let's go on.

I think there is an even bigger moral assumption, namely: "We ought to be rational."

While a moral relativist can argue "Well, in a certain case, an action might be considered right."

Is this possible in the case of rationality?

[AngelDragon]

With a relativist, anything is possible. Just like with the Magic School Bus.

[technomage]

Some time ago, I thought about an interesting version of a transcendental argument.

A transcendental argument from morality usually states that moral relativists can't really condemn certain deeds without relying on the assumption of objective moral values.

In this case, the transcendentalist is incorrect. Moral relativists can condemn deeds that go against the relative morality of the culture: some deeds (such as slavery or "blood vengeance") can be condemned today, as they do not conform with the morals of our culture.

However, I also must note that those moral relativists who use 21st century morality to condemn certain narratives in the Bible are talking through their hat.

[Pumbelo]

those moral relativists who use 21st century morality to condemn certain narratives in the Bible are talking through their hat.

That's a core statement of the argument.

[technomage]

those moral relativists who use 21st century morality to condemn certain narratives in the Bible are talking through their hat.
---End Quote---
That's a core statement of the argument?

That's a dependent statement of my argument that if one is going to take a stance of relative morality, one needs to be consistent with that stance.

[Seasanctuary]

Let us know when all you 'absolute divine morality' folks agree what the absolute divine morality is, specifically.

[technomage]

Let us know when all you 'absolute divine morality' folks agree what the absolute divine morality is, specifically.

While I agree that the lack of consistancy among the "absolute morality" crowd is a problem on their side, it doesn't prove our argument. An absolute standard of morality can exist, even if it is not known or adhered to.