Is Ethics Without God Possible? An Answer, Plus Some Thoughts, About the Question

Is Ethics Without God Possible? In this article, I argue for the conclusion that ethics without God is possible. First, I begin by offering a brief overview of metaethics, outlining the main options concerning the nature of ethical statements. Next, I set out my argument. As it turns out, that argument does involve some philosophy of religion, but of a limited scope, since the only issue relevant to my argument is whether some version of the ontological argument for the existence of God is sound or not. Finally, having argued that ethics without God is possible—leaving aside the minor qualification mentioned above—I shall indicate why I think it is crucial to consider how philosophy of religion might bear upon the question initially posed, and thus why it is a mistake to address the question posed without considering how philosophy of religion might bear upon the question initially posed.