PHIL-347 Week 7 Discussion: What Do I Value (With Responses)

What core values would you risk your life for and freedom to defend? I have several core values, but one of the most important of those values is the freedom of religion. In many people’s lives, religion is the most important thing about them. According to the Pew Research Center, about 84% of the world associate themselves with a specific religion. This is because they believe that religion will impact them in this life and the next. If freedom of religion were to be taken away, it would hurt the lives of so many people. Not being allowed to practice the religion one chooses, forces them to believe they will be punished in the afterlife (depending on what they believe). Additionally, religion often provides certain ways for a person to live their life. Taking away freedom of religion would give the government the ability to govern the way a person thinks and acts. In short, the government takes away a large part of a person’s conscience and conscience is an individual's most sacred right. Could a nation going to war be appropriate in certain circumstances – or is war never an appropriate response? I do believe it would be appropriate for a nation to go to war if freedom of religion was taken away. In some religions, Islam for example, there are certain cases in which going to war is justified. Taking away freedom of practicing Islam is one of those cases (BBC, 2009). I believe war is an appropriate response to forcing a person to live their life a certain type of way. Sometimes, staying away from war prevents a suitable solution from arising. Does the argument pass the Test of Truthfulness? After evaluating my argument, I would say it does pass the test of truthfulness. References: BBC. (2009, August 13). Religions - Islam: War. Retrieved from