Essay on Defining Voluntarism - 2136 Words

1. (652) In the reading of The Sources of Normativity, Christine Korsgaard discusses four basic theories for the justification of morality: Voluntarism, Realism, Reflective Endorsement, and the Appeal to Autonomy. For the purpose of this essay, I will be defining Voluntarism, outlining the argument that Korsgaard presents for Voluntarism, and explain her criticism for why it fails. First of all, let me start off by defining the meaning of Voluntarism. Voluntarism is the theory that God or the ultimate nature of reality is to be conceived as some form of will (or conation). This theory is contrasted to intellectualism, which gives primacy to God’s reason. (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy) The will, as referred to in the†¦show more content†¦Christine Korsgaard’s criticism for the reason why the theory of Voluntarism fails reflects upon the fact that the authority or divine power making the laws can make anything right or wrong. Korsgaard goes on to explain a si tuation in which you are a student in her department and are thereby required to take a particular course, in this case, a logic course in order to receive your degree. If you are in her department and she, having authority over you, requires you to take the course and you fail to do so, then you are at risk of not receiving your degree. On the other hand, if you are not a student in her department, she can give several reasons as to why the logic course is needed but you are not required to take the course and can hereby make a decision as to whether or not you wish to take the course, which Korsgaard goes on to explain, is why authority is needed in order to enforce the laws. You can take the course because you realize the importance, out of fear of not receiving your degree, or just for the simple fact that it is a required course. Even if the obligation was removed, the question lies among whether or not the moral agent will continue to perform the duty. It is Korsgaard’s theory that a governing body is needed to enforce the obligation in order for the action to take place and that governing body is, in what she believes, our own self. We â€Å"command ourselves† to do what is morally right, good, and just. For example, prior to theShow MoreRelatedEuthyphro, A Dialogue Written By Plato1099 Words   |  5 Pagesand the definition of theological voluntarism, it will become apparent that Euthyphro is not a theological voluntarist. This paper will first explain the definition of theological voluntarism, and what it means to be a voluntarist; next it will describe Euthyphro’s definitions of piety and the flaws of them. Finally, I will consider an objection and follow with my answer and conclusion. 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