What is the argument for moral objectivity?

The most common argument for moral objectivity posits that morality—distinguishing between good and bad—is fundamentally determined by a divine perspective, specifically through the lens of God.

The Divine Foundation of Objective Morality

This perspective asserts that moral truths are not subjective or relative but are grounded in a transcendent source. As highlighted, "the most common argument for objective morality relies on good and bad as viewed through the lens of God." This means that what is considered universally right or wrong is ultimately defined by a divine entity, providing an absolute standard that exists independently of human opinion or societal norms.

Reliance on Sacred Texts

Crucially, this argument is strongly supported by religious scriptures. It "relies on the teachings of religious texts including the Bible, Torah, and Quran." These ancient and revered texts are considered authoritative guides, containing numerous "passages about right and wrong." These passages are believed to convey divinely ordained moral precepts, offering clear, unchanging guidelines for human conduct and ethical living.

Key Elements of This Argument

The core components of this argument for moral objectivity can be summarized as follows:

• Divine Authority: God serves as the ultimate arbiter and source of moral law, establishing absolute standards for human conduct. Morality is not a human construct but a divine revelation.
• Revealed Morality: Moral principles are not discovered through human reason alone but are revealed through sacred scriptures. These texts provide specific commandments and ethical frameworks that are considered universally binding.
• Universal Application: Because these moral truths originate from a divine source, they are considered objective, unchanging, and applicable to all individuals across different cultures and times, providing a consistent moral compass.

To further illustrate the structure of this argument: