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    The argument from universal desire commits a quantitative... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→If theism is true, there is a strong case that universal or near-universal human desires are desires for which satisfaction is possible.

    The argument from universal desire commits a quantitative fallacy: widespread cross-cultural desires for vengeance, domination, or ethnic superiority are not thereby evidence of attainable goods a loving God designed humans to pursue.

    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Universal prevalence of a desire doesn't entail its goodness; humans universally desire tribalism, yet this often produces moral harm.
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    • 2.Evolution explains universal desires (dominance, in-group preference) through fitness benefits, not divine design for human flourishing.
      ?

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    • 3.If God designed humans to pursue vengeance and domination, divine morality would endorse these as goods, contradicting theodicy claims.
      ?

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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.The argument conflates base impulses with designed desires; universal desires for connection, justice, and meaning remain stronger evidence.
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    • 2.Humans universally desire food and sex; that these can be misused doesn't negate their status as designed goods for proper ends.
      ?

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    • 3.The quantitative fallacy objection assumes all universal desires are created equal; some (compassion, purpose-seeking) better reflect teleology.
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    Key Terms

    argument from universal desire(as used in philosophy of religion and ethics)
    A philosophical argument that claims if most people across different cultures want something, that thing must be good and worth pursuing.
    attainable goods(as used in ethics and philosophy of religion)
    Things that are actually possible to achieve or obtain, and that are genuinely good or beneficial for humans.
    cross-cultural(as used in anthropology and philosophy)
    Something that appears in or affects multiple different cultures and societies around the world.
    quantitative fallacy(as used in logic and reasoning)
    A logical mistake where someone assumes that because something is common or widespread, it must be true or valuable—just because many people believe or want something doesn't make it right.

    Connections

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    Afterlife & Death1 linked

    Related

    Evolution explains universal desires (dominance, in-group preference) through fi...Humans universally desire food and sex; that these can be misused doesn't negate...If God designed humans to pursue vengeance and domination, divine morality would...If theism is true, there is a strong case that universal or near-universal human...
    +3 moreShow less
    The argument conflates base impulses with designed desires; universal desires fo...The quantitative fallacy objection assumes all universal desires are created equ...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit
    Universal prevalence of a desire doesn't entail its goodness; humans universally...