Tour 2 Questions: PHILOSOPHY and ETHICS: Says Who?

Question 1

The fulcrum is the point around which the lever is pivoted. The word "fulcrum" is

sometimes used metaphorically to refer to the hub or balance around which anything spins or

balances. The phrase is often used in philosophical contexts to signify a pivotal juncture in

shaping a result. The four important questions that comprise the "fulcrum" of our existence

are the inquiries that are vital in shaping our view of life, Meaning, Morality, and destiny.

These questions are as follows:

a. Origin: Where did I come from?

b. Meaning: What is the Meaning of life?

c. Morality: How do I distinguish right from wrong?

d. Destiny: What happens to me after I die?

Question 2

Postmodernism is a cultural and intellectual movement that developed in the second

half of the 20th century as a backlash against modernism. It questions the validity of long-

held beliefs in absolute reality, unchanging Meaning, and grand stories. Knowledge is seen as

relative, language as convoluted, and viewpoints as varied in postmodernist thought. In its

place, it celebrates several viewpoints, tolerates ambiguity, and is skeptical of overarching

stories.

Relativism is a central tenet of postmodern thought. Postmodernists argue that truth

and Meaning are relative to each person and their unique cultural background. That's why it's

important to remember that what's true or significant for one set of people could not be the

same for another. Relativism rejects absolute truth favoring a more nuanced and

contextualized approach to knowledge.

critically examine and analyze texts, ideas, and concepts to unearth implicit biases and

inconsistencies. Postmodernists believe that words and ideas are fluid and open to numerous

interpretations. Deconstruction illustrates how different text readings may result in vastly

different meanings. This method pushes against absolute Meaning and fosters a more

nuanced understanding of language and representation.

Question 3

Dr. R. C. Sproul draws numerous lines that separate Morality from ethics. What is

right and wrong, good and evil, is based on principles, values, and beliefs known as Morality.

It includes the fundamental beliefs and evaluations that shape individual conduct and societal

standards. Culture, religion, and philosophy contribute to a person's sense of Morality,

guiding their actions. The study of Morality seeks to answer fundamental concerns about

what it means for human behavior to be consistent with ethical standards.

Dr. Sproul argues that the study of ethics entails searching for and examining

universal moral principles and their application in real life. Ethical theory studies the norms

by which we make moral judgments and choices. To give a reasonable basis for ethical

conduct, the study of ethics digs into the justifications for and against certain courses of

action. The study of ethics focuses on explaining and implementing Morality's fundamental

principles.

Question 4

One interpretation of "Cosmic Cube" is that it is a metaphor for the lens through

which people perceive the cosmos and themselves. It represents one's fundamental

perspective on life and how it came to be the way it is. Those who subscribe to the

Naturalistic Worldview (commonly identified with atheism and materialism) believe God is

unnecessary since the cosmos runs entirely on natural laws. To adhere to this worldview, one
must believe that the material reality is all there is. There is no space for a metaphysical or

supernatural world outside the observable cosmos.

As a rule, answers for existence, purpose, and Morality are sought within the limits of

natural occurrences and scientific principles, and the notion of God or any higher authority is

disregarded. Based on religious beliefs, especially Christianity, the Biblical Worldview posits

that an immaterial, omnipotent God created the cosmos. From this viewpoint, the Cosmic

Cube contains both the physical cosmos and the ethereal plane. The divine design and the

bond between humanity and their Creator are common sources of inspiration for ideas like

Morality, purpose, and destiny.

Question 5

Even a Christian may be fooled and "taken captive" by the meaningless tenets of the

world's religions and ideologies. Like everyone else, Christians are susceptible to the

corrupting effect of intellectual, social, and cultural views that run counter to their own. It

may cause them to warp their sense of Morality, ethics, and the truth. The idea of being

"taken captive" originates in the Bible and other religious writings that admonish followers

not to follow false doctrines or empty beliefs. The apostle Paul, for instance, warns against

falling prey to empty and misleading philosophical speculations in Colossians 2:8. It takes

introspection, reasoning, and spiritual insight to spot a lie. While it's important to have an

open mind and be willing to learn, it's also crucial to have strong faith and be able to analyze

the ideas one encounters critically.

Question 6

Ethics

"Ethics" refers to the philosophical study of what constitutes good and improper

conduct among humans. Ethics is the study of the underlying moral ideas and values that

people and communities use to determine what actions are right and wrong. Ethical theories
and frameworks help people think through difficult moral questions and make the right

decision. Guidelines for right conduct and moral judgment are derived from examining

ethical principles, including duty, virtue, consequences, and fairness.

Morality

The term "morality" refers to the collective body of ideas about what constitutes good

and evil in a given community. Religion, culture, and philosophy all have a role in shaping

our collective and individual Morality. A person's sense of right and wrong is formed and

guided by the moral lessons they've learned in their family, community, and religion.

Transcendent

The term "transcendent" is often used in philosophical and theological contexts to

describe something above or beyond the physical world. It symbolizes something beyond

human or empirical reality, something greater or heavenly. When we think of anything as

transcendent, we generally think of a greater power or ultimate reality beyond our everyday

experience of time and space.

Universals

"Universals" are broad, overarching ideas or principles that may be applied to

everything. They stand for universal features seen in many different circumstances. For

instance, "justice" is a notion that transcends particular situations and defines fairness and

equality. Making sense of philosophy, language, or the natural world is impossible without

establishing a foundation of universals.

Particulars

"Particulars" refers to tangible knowledge concerning particular circumstances

provided by specific instances, examples, or details. Factors that can be directly seen and

handled are the ones that help us grasp abstract ideas. Providing concrete examples of
philosophical theories or principles might help readers better relate to and grasp such theories

or principles.

Assumptive Language

"Assumptive language" refers to utterances that infer an intended meaning without

articulating it. This strategy for influencing audience perception works on the assumption of

common ground between the speaker and the listener. Without actively arguing for them,

assumptions might be appealing to people because of the mental shortcuts they provide.

Without resorting to overt debate, it is possible to deliver information in a manner that subtly

encourages audience members to agree with certain points of view.