By Schubert Ogden
The Notebooks of Schubert Ogden
Morality and politics, as well as science, rest on a basic supposition concerning the nature of reality. In fact, it is the same basic supposition that religion rests on. This is because the basic question asked and answered by religion is related to the basic questions asked by morality and politics as well as science as a limiting question. In other words, in asking and answering the basic questions of morality and politics as well as science, one inevitably begs the basic religious question.
One understanding of the basic supposition of morality and politics concerning the nature of reality is expressed by Gamwell's statement, "Morality and politics depend on a purpose in the nature of things." Another such understanding, at least verbally different, is formulated by the natural law theory assumed by the American founders generally, and by Thomas Jefferson in particular, in the Declaration of Independence.
2 March 2009
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