Engelhardt's Diagnosis and Prescription: Persuasive or Problematic?

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Ethics
• Christian Ethics
• Secular Morality

Background:

• Critiques H. Tristram Engelhardt's "After God" defense of Orthodox Christianity and critique of secular morality.
• Examines Engelhardt's procedural approach to morality, Enlightenment critique, and views on moral controversies.
• Addresses Engelhardt's resolution of Euthyphro's dilemma via divine command ethics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate core aspects of Engelhardt's arguments regarding secular morality and Orthodox Christianity.
• To challenge the conceptual coherence and adequacy of Engelhardt's procedural ethics and Enlightenment critique.
• To explore alternative resolutions to Euthyphro's dilemma beyond divine command or naturalist accounts.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis and critique of Engelhardt's "After God".
• Examination of Engelhardt's procedural ethics, distinction between non-malevolence and beneficence.
• Analysis of Engelhardt's critique of the Enlightenment project and his concept of moral strangers/friends.
• Evaluation of Engelhardt's divine command ethics in relation to Euthyphro's dilemma.

Main Results:

• Engelhardt's procedural ethics lacks substantive definition and conflicts with his non-malevolence/beneficence distinction.
• Engelhardt's critique of the Enlightenment is based on an unwarranted privileging of specific perspectives.
• Engelhardt's views on moral controversies and the dichotomy of moral strangers/friends are theoretically unsound.
• Engelhardt's divine command model for Euthyphro's dilemma is questioned, suggesting intermediate approaches.

Conclusions:

• Engelhardt's defense of Orthodox Christianity and critique of secular morality face significant conceptual and theoretical challenges.
• Alternative ethical frameworks may offer more robust solutions to moral disagreements and Euthyphro's dilemma.
• Re-evaluation of secular morality and Enlightenment principles is necessary, considering diverse perspectives.