ABSTRACT

In 2018, William Lane Craig and Erik J. Wielenberg participated in a debate at North Carolina State University, addressing the question: "God and Morality: What is the best account of objective moral values and duties?" Craig argued that theism provides a sound foundation for objective morality whereas atheism does not. Wielenberg countered that morality can be objective even if there is no God. This book includes the full debate, as well as endnotes with extended discussions that were not included in the debate. It also includes five chapters by other philosophers who have written substantive responses to the debate - J. P. Moreland, David Baggett, Mark Linville, Wes Morriston, and Michael Huemer. The book provides crucial resources for better understanding moral realism and its dependence on, or independence from, theistic foundations.  

Key Features

  • A valuable debate about whether or not God is the best explanation for objective morality, bringing together theists and atheists working on the same subject who normally are not in conversation with each other.
  • Includes clear coverage of ontological and epistemological issues in metaethical theories, focusing on Divine Command Theory and Non-natural Robust Moral Realism.
  • Engaging and accessible throughout, making the book well suited for undergraduate and seminary classrooms.

chapter Chapter 1|28 pages

Introduction

part I|62 pages

The Debate

chapter 30Chapter 2|8 pages

William Lane Craig's Opening Speech

chapter Chapter 3|9 pages

Erik J. Wielenberg's Opening Speech

chapter Chapter 4|8 pages

William Lane Craig's First Rebuttal

chapter Chapter 5|6 pages

Erik J. Wielenberg's First Rebuttal

chapter Chapter 6|7 pages

William Lane Craig's Second Rebuttal

chapter Chapter 7|4 pages

Erik J. Wielenberg's Second Rebuttal

chapter Chapter 8|4 pages

William Lane Craig's Closing Statement

chapter Chapter 9|3 pages

Erik J. Wielenberg's Closing Statement

part II|94 pages

Responses to the Debate

chapter 92Chapter 11|22 pages

Wielenberg and Emergence

Borrowed Capital on the Cheap

chapter Chapter 12|16 pages

Does Morality Have a Theological Foundation?

chapter Chapter 13|18 pages

Psychopathy and Supererogation

chapter Chapter 14|17 pages

Groundless Morals

chapter Chapter 15|19 pages

Darwin, Duties, and the Demiurge

part III|36 pages

Final Remarks

chapter 186Chapter 16|17 pages

William Lane Craig's Final Remarks

chapter Chapter 17|17 pages

Erik J. Wielenberg's Final Remarks