The Reality of the Moral Law by C.S. Lewis Doodle (BBC Talk 2, Mere Christianity Chapter 3)

Summary

In this excerpt from 'Mere Christianity,' C.S. Lewis explores the concept of moral law, highlighting the inherent sense of right and wrong that humans possess. He argues that while people often fail to live up to these moral standards, the existence of these laws indicates a reality beyond mere human behavior. Lewis emphasizes that moral laws are not merely social constructs or personal conveniences but represent a real, objective standard that compels individuals to strive for decency and unselfishness, ultimately shaping our understanding of human nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Humans possess an intrinsic sense of a moral law, which reflects the idea of fairness and decency.
• 😀 Despite having a moral understanding, humans often fail to act according to that understanding.
• 😀 The concept of imperfection in human behavior suggests a deeper truth about moral obligations.
• 😀 Natural laws (like gravity) describe what happens, whereas moral laws dictate how humans ought to behave.
• 😀 Human behavior is distinct from the behavior of inanimate objects, as humans are aware of their moral responsibilities.
• 😀 Morality cannot be simply reduced to social convenience or personal gain; it transcends self-interest.
• 😀 The expectation of unselfish behavior exists independently of whether it benefits individuals or society.
• 😀 Moral law is a real entity, not merely a construct of human society, pressing upon our conscience.
• 😀 Recognizing moral obligations challenges us to strive for higher ethical standards in our actions.
• 😀 The moral law highlights the complexity of human nature, revealing the tension between our ideals and actions.

Q & A

What are the two odd things about the human race that Lewis highlights?

Lewis points out that humans are haunted by the idea of a moral standard they ought to follow, yet they do not consistently adhere to it.

Why does Lewis distinguish between the laws of nature and the moral law?

He distinguishes them because the laws of nature describe how things actually behave, while the moral law prescribes how humans ought to behave, indicating an inherent sense of right and wrong.

What is the significance of the difference between what humans do and what they ought to do?

The difference suggests that humans possess a moral obligation that transcends mere behavior; they are aware of a standard of decency that they often fail to meet.

How does Lewis challenge the idea that moral behavior is simply about personal convenience?

He argues that moral behavior is not solely about what is convenient for an individual; rather, it involves deeper ethical obligations that cannot be reduced to mere personal gain.

What example does Lewis use to illustrate the distinction between moral behavior and personal inconvenience?

He contrasts the behavior of a man who occupies a train seat first, which is seen as acceptable, with a man who takes the seat by removing someone else's bag, which is viewed as morally wrong.

What does Lewis imply about the relationship between individual behavior and societal benefit?

He implies that while moral behavior contributes to societal benefit, the obligation to act morally stems from an intrinsic sense of duty, not just the desire to benefit society.

Why does Lewis believe that explaining morality solely in terms of societal benefits misses the point?

He believes it misses the point because it fails to address the underlying moral obligation individuals feel, leading to a circular argument about why one should be unselfish.

What analogy does Lewis use to explain the nature of moral law?

He compares the moral law to a game like football, stating that trying to explain moral behavior in terms of societal benefits is like saying the point of football is to score goals, when the essence of the game is the gameplay itself.

How does Lewis describe the moral law in relation to human behavior?

He describes the moral law as a real entity that exists beyond human behavior, suggesting that it is not merely a product of human invention but a pressing reality that guides ethical conduct.

What conclusion does Lewis reach about the nature of moral law?

Lewis concludes that the moral law is a genuine reality that compels individuals to act ethically, indicating a higher standard that is not contingent on human actions.