1825.Brummer

SCANNED PDF

Brummer argues that "two factual presuppositions are constitutive of all prescriptives. First, every prescriptive is based on the presupposition that the hearer is free (and therefore able) to do or decline to do what is requested of hiln. 'Ought' implies freedol1.1. Second, every prescriptive is based on the presupposition that there is an (often unspoken) 'convention' or 'agreement' subscribed to by both the speaker and his hearer and obliging the hearer to do what is requested of hil1.1" (Theology and Philosophical Inquiry: 112). My problem with this argument is with the second presupposition. To my mind, it is not

Significantly, the Founders of the Alnerican republic were quite clear about this. For although, in their view, civil society and government are the result of a voluntary association of equals, and thus of a compact, or agreement, of each to be responsible to and for all, and of all to be responsible to and for each, they were just as convinced that the divine government of the universe is not the result of any such voluntary agreelnent. Even as no human being is by nature subject to the rule of another, every human being is by nature subject to the rule of God."subscription" to some "convention," or "agreement," that is a necessary condition of all prescriptives, but rather subjection thereto. That I am indeed bound by any "convention," or "agreelnent," to which I subscribe is true enough. But I Inay also be bound by nonns to which I am subject even though I do not subscribe to theln. 17March 2007