The Crisis of Moral Knowledge in Modern Society

 

Summary

The focus of this evening's discussion is the "disappearance of moral knowledge," a concept that has been evolving into a book I hope to complete by the end of the year. This disappearance is a hidden cultural calamity with significant implications for our lives, culture, and personal relationships. The essence of this issue is that our knowledge institutions, such as universities and churches, no longer offer moral knowledge as a part of their cognitive content. This absence means that moral truths are not presented as knowledge, which has profound effects on our ability to act, teach, and formulate policies based on moral grounds.

Moral knowledge, while still existent, is often not recognized or utilized effectively in public discourse. This leads to a societal intimidation when addressing moral issues, as the institutions that should provide guidance fail to do so. The moral life is central to human existence, influencing the choices we make and the people we become. Despite this, the institutions of knowledge have set aside moral truth, leaving us without the right or responsibility to act on moral grounds.

The disappearance of moral knowledge did not result from a discovery or invention but rather a shift in societal beliefs and values. Factors contributing to this shift include the removal of theology and religion from the realm of knowledge, the disappearance of the human self as a domain of respectable knowledge, and the view that all cultures are equal, which undermines the idea of moral superiority. Additionally, moral distinctions are often seen as power plays, and there is a growing fear or resentment of knowledge itself.

The implications of this disappearance are vast, affecting everything from professional ethics to personal responsibility. Without moral knowledge, we lose the ability to make informed judgments and act responsibly. This loss is not just an academic issue but a practical one that impacts our daily lives and the functioning of society as a whole.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Disappearance of Moral Knowledge: Our institutions no longer present moral truths as knowledge, leading to a societal inability to act on moral grounds. This absence affects our ability to make informed decisions and act responsibly. [06:39]

2. The Centrality of Moral Life: Morality is integral to human existence, influencing our choices and the people we become. Despite its importance, moral knowledge is often sidelined, leaving us without guidance in moral matters. [08:24]

3. Cultural Shifts and Moral Knowledge: The disappearance of moral knowledge is not due to discovery but societal shifts, such as the removal of theology from knowledge and the view that all cultures are equal, which undermines moral distinctions. [25:22]

4. Fear of Knowledge: There is a growing fear of knowledge, seen as oppressive, leading to a reluctance to make moral judgments. This fear contributes to the disappearance of moral knowledge and affects our ability to discern right from wrong. [36:40]

5. The Role of Institutions: Universities and churches, as knowledge institutions, have failed to provide moral guidance, leaving a void in moral education and responsibility. This failure impacts our ability to act ethically and responsibly. [16:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Philosophy and Life
- [01:02] - The Disappearance of Moral Knowledge
- [02:29] - Understanding Moral Knowledge
- [03:45] - Social Reality of Moral Knowledge
- [06:39] - Implications of Disappearing Moral Knowledge
- [09:38] - The Nature of Knowledge
- [12:37] - The Importance of Truth
- [15:07] - The Right and Responsibility to Act
- [21:48] - How Moral Knowledge Disappeared
- [26:19] - Removal of Theology from Knowledge
- [31:23] - Disappearance of the Human Self
- [34:10] - Cultural Relativism and Moral Truth
- [36:40] - Fear and Resentment of Knowledge
- [41:55] - The Role of Universities and Philosophers

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is meant by the "disappearance of moral knowledge"? How does this affect our society? [06:39]

2. What role do universities and churches play in the disappearance of moral knowledge, as discussed in the sermon? [16:43]

3. How does the sermon describe the impact of cultural shifts on moral knowledge? [25:22]

4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how moral knowledge is sidelined in public discourse? [08:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the removal of theology and religion from the realm of knowledge contribute to the disappearance of moral knowledge? [26:34]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that fear of knowledge affects our ability to make moral judgments? [36:40]

3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between moral knowledge and personal responsibility? [15:07]

4. What does the sermon imply about the consequences of viewing all cultures as equal in terms of moral knowledge? [34:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt intimidated to speak up about a moral issue. What factors contributed to that feeling, and how might you approach it differently now? [03:32]

2. How can you actively seek to incorporate moral knowledge into your daily decision-making processes? What steps can you take to ensure your actions align with your moral beliefs? [15:31]

3. Consider the role of your church or community in providing moral guidance. How can you contribute to strengthening this aspect within your community? [16:43]

4. In what ways can you challenge the cultural notion that all moral perspectives are equally valid? How can you engage in conversations that promote moral truth without being judgmental? [34:10]

5. Identify an area in your life where you might be conforming to societal norms rather than biblical truths. What changes can you make to align more closely with God's will? [12:37]

6. How can you cultivate a healthy respect for knowledge and truth in your personal and professional life, despite societal fears or misconceptions? [10:30]

7. Think of a situation where you had to make a difficult moral decision. How did your understanding of moral knowledge influence your choice, and what was the outcome? [15:48]

Devotional

Day 1: The Erosion of Moral Foundations
The disappearance of moral knowledge is a profound issue affecting our society today. Institutions that once provided moral guidance, such as universities and churches, no longer present moral truths as part of their cognitive content. This absence has led to a societal inability to act on moral grounds, impacting our ability to make informed decisions and act responsibly. Without moral knowledge, individuals and communities struggle to discern right from wrong, leading to a moral vacuum in public discourse and personal decision-making. The implications of this are vast, affecting everything from professional ethics to personal responsibility. As we navigate our daily lives, the lack of moral guidance from our institutions leaves us without the right or responsibility to act on moral grounds. [06:39]

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a recent decision you made. How did the absence or presence of moral guidance influence your choice, and what steps can you take to seek moral wisdom in future decisions?


Day 2: The Central Role of Morality in Human Life
Morality is integral to human existence, influencing the choices we make and the people we become. Despite its importance, moral knowledge is often sidelined, leaving us without guidance in moral matters. This sidelining of moral knowledge means that individuals are left to navigate complex moral landscapes without the necessary tools or support. The moral life is central to who we are, shaping our character and our relationships with others. Without a firm foundation in moral knowledge, we risk losing our sense of direction and purpose. It is crucial to recognize the centrality of morality in our lives and seek ways to integrate moral truths into our daily actions and decisions. [08:24]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." (Romans 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a moral decision you face today. How can you ensure that your choice aligns with genuine love and goodness?


Day 3: Societal Shifts and the Loss of Moral Knowledge
The disappearance of moral knowledge is not due to a discovery or invention but rather a shift in societal beliefs and values. Factors contributing to this shift include the removal of theology and religion from the realm of knowledge, the disappearance of the human self as a domain of respectable knowledge, and the view that all cultures are equal, which undermines the idea of moral superiority. These cultural shifts have led to a reluctance to make moral judgments, as moral distinctions are often seen as power plays. This shift has profound implications for how we understand and engage with moral issues, leading to a society where moral knowledge is no longer recognized or utilized effectively. [25:22]

"For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'" (1 Corinthians 3:19, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a cultural belief or value that challenges your understanding of moral truth. How can you seek God's wisdom to navigate this challenge?


Day 4: The Fear and Resentment of Knowledge
There is a growing fear of knowledge, seen as oppressive, leading to a reluctance to make moral judgments. This fear contributes to the disappearance of moral knowledge and affects our ability to discern right from wrong. As knowledge is increasingly viewed with suspicion, individuals and institutions shy away from making definitive moral statements, fearing backlash or accusations of intolerance. This fear of knowledge stifles our ability to engage in meaningful moral discourse and hinders our growth as individuals and communities. It is essential to confront this fear and embrace the pursuit of knowledge as a means to understand and apply moral truths in our lives. [36:40]

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of knowledge you fear exploring due to potential moral implications? How can you approach this area with a spirit of humility and openness to God's guidance?


Day 5: The Role of Institutions in Moral Education
Universities and churches, as knowledge institutions, have failed to provide moral guidance, leaving a void in moral education and responsibility. This failure impacts our ability to act ethically and responsibly, as individuals are left without the necessary tools to navigate moral complexities. The role of these institutions is crucial in shaping the moral fabric of society, yet their abdication of this responsibility has left many without direction. It is vital to recognize the importance of moral education and seek ways to fill the void left by these institutions, whether through personal study, community engagement, or spiritual growth. [16:43]

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you take an active role in your own moral education or that of others in your community? What steps can you take today to foster a deeper understanding of moral truths?

Quotes


The disappearance of moral knowledge is the social reality that the knowledge institutions, primarily the universities and also the churches, do not offer knowledge of good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice to the public. They do not offer it as knowledge. [00:04:12]

The moral life is so central to human life that you can't call it off because the moral life has to do with choices that we make and those choices have to do with the kind of people we become, and the kind of people we become is not a matter that is indifferent to us or to others. [00:08:20]

Knowledge gives us the right and the responsibility to act, to direct action, to formulate policy and supervise it, and to teach. If you're going to do those things you need to have knowledge. Now having said that I think you can begin to see what an incredible difference it makes whether or not there is moral knowledge. [00:15:07]

One of the most important things to understand is that it did not come about by some kind of discovery or invention. See there are two ways that changes of ideas come about. One is someone makes a genuine discovery. For example, Harvey discovered the circulation of blood in animals. [00:21:48]

The first thing I mentioned on the sheet is the removal of theology and religion from the area of knowledge. Now this is a related and in some respects deeper change in the zeitgeist. Today it's hard I think for many people to believe that theology and religion was once viewed as a source of knowledge. [00:25:22]

The disappearance of the human self as a domain of respectable knowledge. Now in ethics from Plato on, not to mention the biblical side of it, but from Plato on, ethics was totally focused on the soul until the modern period with Thomas Hobbes and others and the soul begins to disappear. [00:31:23]

All cultures come to be regarded as equal. Now I'm not taking up the issue of how much these are justified, I'm just saying that these are the things that lead to the disappearance of moral knowledge. For a long while of course people knew that there were different cultures and different things were approved and practiced. [00:34:10]

There is a growing fear or resentment of knowledge itself. This actually is a part of what goes under sea. Knowledge itself is viewed as oppressive in human and cultural matters. Colonialism becomes a big issue and the suppression of people who have been colonized in terms of claims to superior knowledge. [00:36:40]

Growth of the idea that it's always wrong to make a moral judgment that has become almost a piece of law in many contexts, especially on the campuses. Now of course if there's no knowledge of moral matters perhaps that's right. If there is knowledge of moral matters, then even though it is unpleasant, you might even have a responsibility to make a judgment. [00:38:40]

In this area people have confused discernment and condemnation and they think that condemnation is morally wrong and it's the same as judgment, so you should never make a judgment. It helps worlds to be confused about things. Again go back to your dentist if your dentist looks at your tooth and says that tooth has a big cavity in it. [00:39:59]

The university no longer sponsors as knowledge a body of ethical truth. Now some of you will know that there is indeed a very rigorous moral code enforced at the university but it's not expressed as knowledge, it's expressed as politics, and you know in politics you don't really have to know anything. [00:30:11]

The philosophers, you know you notice almost all of the highest degrees are called the PhD. Now that does not mean posthole digger it doesn't mean phenomenally dumb, it's doctor of philosophy. I'm redundant, I have a doctor of philosophy and philosophy. If you're in chemistry you get a doctor of philosophy and chemistry. [00:41:55]

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Transcript
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