The Fundamentals of Ethics

Chapter 5 shifts the book’s focus from value theory to normative ethics. In this chapter, Shafer-Landau discusses the divide between morality and religion. Historically, societies and individuals alike have relied on religion as a guide for moral conduct. However, the two terms are not interchangeable. While many accept the view that morality depends on religion, the author challenges this perspective by logically deconstructing the three most popular assumptions about religion.

The first assumption claims that religion is necessary to motivate people to be moral. Atheists—people who do not believe in the existence of God—and agnostics—those who are unsure about the existence of God—are less likely to behave morally because they do not fear divine wrath. Shafer-Landau finds two objections to this claim. First, fear of retribution as motivation to maintain good moral behavior paradoxically demonstrates a lack of virtue; even if it were true that theists are more inclined to do good, the source of their motivation would undermine their moral character. Second, there is no guarantee that following religious principles forges theists into better people if those principles are immoral. Thus it is reasonable to conclude there is more that defines an individual’s morality than his belief in religion.