(January 11, 2016 at 6:37 pm)Jörmungandr Wrote: For many, I think, the word 'objective' becomes little more than a buzzword that when added to a claim means something like "really really" true. I don't question that you believe that life has objective value or inherent value, I question that you actually mean anything by this.How does value occur independent of minds. What is a value and how does that nature of what a value is support the notion that it can occur outside of minds?
Generally, I agree with your definition and your critique of how the word 'objective' is used. I would add that objective means that some object exists that can be referenced independently to discover facts, like the speed of light, and principles, like Non-Contradiction. However saying that objectivity necessarily requires independence from of any mind whatsoever begs the question. As the Sustainer of all reality, God's Intellect is ever present in all phenomena.
As it relates to objective values, moral reasoning devolves into whim and fancy unless it is grounded in some object of reference that serves as the ideal standard for values like justice and mercy. That is why theists say that without God are moral claims are equally vacuous.
