“Religion is related problematically to morality” - a thesis which seems incredible at first view. How could the relation of morality and religion be problematic? Does the one not determine the other? Well, strictly speaking, already this question leads to the first possible point of discussion: for, which determines which? Does Religion lead to morality or does morality lead to religion? And does being religious not correlate with the meaning of to act in a good and moral way? To elaborate those questions and prove that and how religion and morality are related problematically, in this essay I will refer to Immanuel Kant and Søren Kierkegaard. Both are considered as being two religious men who start their thinking from the existing religious consciousness within the ethical and are therefore the rights philosophers to concentrate on while analysing the relationship of religion and morality.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Abraham and the Problem of Morality
3. Kant's Perspective on Evil and Freedom
4. The Relationship between Religion and Moral Law
5. Religious Commitment and Moral Development
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This essay explores the complex and often problematic relationship between religion and morality, specifically investigating whether religion provides a foundation for moral action or exists as a separate, potentially conflicting sphere. By analyzing the philosophies of Immanuel Kant and Søren Kierkegaard, the text examines how the tension between ethical duty and religious faith informs human conduct.
- The intersection of moral law and religious belief.
- Kantian perspectives on human freedom and the propensity toward evil.
- Kierkegaard's exploration of the "teleological suspension of the ethical" through the story of Abraham.
- The role of moral duty as a prerequisite for true religious practice.
Excerpt from the Book
Abraham and the Problem of Morality
Reading Kierkegaard’s most important work Fear and Trembling, one will find the story of Abraham, the religious father of faith, who is about to sacrifice his innocent son – as him was told by God. God’s voice said: "take Isaac, thine only son, whom you lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt offering upon the mountain which I shall show thee." Without saying a word to his wife or anyone else Abraham takes his son and leaves, prepared to kill his son. When he almost did so, God stopped him and made him sacrifice an animal instead. Regarding this, one wonders, how God, could ask someone to kill anybody. How can Abraham’s intention to sacrifice his son Isaac be justified at all? First of all, it is not understandable how a loving God could order such a cruelty.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces the problematic relationship between religion and morality and establishes the focus on Immanuel Kant and Søren Kierkegaard as key philosophical figures.
Abraham and the Problem of Morality: This section utilizes Kierkegaard’s "Fear and Trembling" to illustrate the paradox of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, questioning the justification of religious actions that contradict moral norms.
Kant's Perspective on Evil and Freedom: This chapter explains Kant's view of human nature as having an inherent "evil propensity" and emphasizes that moral acts must be chosen freely by rational beings.
The Relationship between Religion and Moral Law: This section explores how, for Kant, religious belief must be grounded in moral principles, arguing that true religious life and moral life are indistinguishable.
Religious Commitment and Moral Development: This chapter discusses how religion can support moral growth and community formation, provided it does not rely on external pressure or irrational "pseudo-service" to God.
Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the discussion, concluding that while religion and morality are deeply interconnected, religion can sometimes transcend traditional ethics, leaving the question of which determines the other partially unresolved.
Keywords
Immanuel Kant, Søren Kierkegaard, Morality, Religion, Ethics, Fear and Trembling, Abraham, Moral Law, Freedom, Human Nature, Duty, Faith, Teleological Suspension, Categorical Imperative, Religious Delusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this essay?
The essay examines the complex and problematic relationship between religious belief and moral conduct.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The text focuses on the tension between ethical duties and religious obedience, human freedom, the nature of evil, and the philosophical foundations of morality.
What is the primary research question?
The author investigates which factor determines the other: does religion lead to morality, or does morality provide the necessary foundation for religion?
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a philosophical analysis and literature review, contrasting the ethical frameworks of Immanuel Kant with the existential insights of Søren Kierkegaard.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the biblical story of Abraham, Kant’s concept of the "radical evil" in human nature, the role of reason in morality, and the distinction between true religion and religious delusion.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Immanuel Kant, Søren Kierkegaard, Moral Law, Ethics, Faith, and the Teleological Suspension of the Ethical.
How does the author interpret Abraham’s actions?
The author views Abraham’s intent to sacrifice Isaac as a "teleological suspension of the ethical," where the individual’s direct relationship with God creates a paradox that cannot be reconciled with universal moral duties.
What distinction does Kant draw regarding different forms of religion?
Kant distinguishes between "Gunstwerbung," which is the mere expectation of divine favor through prayer, and true religion, which requires an internal change of mind and a commitment to moral improvement.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Melissa Grönebaum (Autor:in), 2013, Kant's "Religion within the boundary of pure reason" & Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/268384
