Week 2 Discourse*
.docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Suffolk University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
600
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
1
Uploaded by timlynch1217
Week 2 Demonstration of Discourse
Identify an ethical command that has a religious connection such that it could be
identified as a “divine command.” Cite it. Describe in detail how it could be said that
there is also a sign of reason or logic, either implicit or explicit in your chosen command.
Possible sources might be the “Ten
Commandments,”
http://www.1ststepsinislam.com/en/commandments-of-islam.aspx
,
especially the Seven Destructive Sins,
http://www.sacred-
texts.com/bud/busc/busc11.htm
,
http://www.nativevillage.org/Inspiration-/ten_native_am
erican_commandments.htm
Respond to three classmates offering a general response (while avoiding agreement posts,
look for examples of comparative logic across traditions). While you do this, look for a
point of reason or logic that you then apply to your own post or a classmate’s. Make sure
you cite the classmate whose reason or logic you use (Smith). This will require your
initial post plus 4 responses.
The first of the ten Buddhist commandments is the “abstinence from destroying
life” (Thomas, 1913). While this is a commandment is a cornerstone of the Buddhist faith
and, therefore, a “divine commandment”, it can also be argued that it is explicitly logical.
Judaism and Christianity also cite a commandment that calls followers not to kill, but the
Buddhist commandment instructing the “abstinence from destroying life”, one could
argue, is more detailed. Destroying life could include simple activities such as disposing
of living plants, and more morally complex activities such as the use of birth control,
which could destroy potential life. While these activities are relatively commonplace in
society and socially acceptable, it is, at face value, explicitly logical not to practice them.
If asked whether they would knowingly destroy a life, I would assume that most people
would answer no; however, if asked whether they have thrown away a living plant or
killed a bug in their home, many of those people would likely also answer yes. This
particular commandment is explicitly logical in that it certainly makes sense on a moral
level not to destroy life, but it is likely not followed explicitly by many people.
References
Hinman, L. M. (2013).
Ethics: A pluralistic approach to moral theory
. Belmont, CA.:
Thomson / Wadsworth.
Thomas, E. J. (1913). Buddhist Scriptures. Retrieved from http://www.sacred-
texts.com/bud/busc/busc11.htm
Discover more documents: Sign up today!
Unlock a world of knowledge! Explore tailored content for a richer learning experience. Here's what you'll get:
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help