The Poison of Subjectivism

Although, for me, this was not one of the easiest essays to understand, I think it is one of the best exmples of C.S. Lewis use of logic. One of his quotes that was brought up in class said this, "The scientist has to assume the validity of his own logic even in order to prove that it is merely subjective". The way Lewis puts it makes the scientist sound ridiculous. Even if he disovers things that discredit the validity of human reason, he has no ground other than his own human reason to present them with.

Lewis also strongly applied the use of logic when addressing those who think they can create a new value system. He points out that their values must be based on something- preservation, promotion of comunity, etc.- and in the end, why should anyone really bother about these things. What makes a value system based on these supperior to the traditional system of morality that has existed in every other culture?

Lewis also points out that a truly new system of values cannot be created. Any attempt to do this is simply emphasising one idea and letting the tradtional value syste reflect it. Lewis gives several exmples of people who thought they had creae their own value system, but whose actions relected those of traditional morality. Basically, every one of these groups is sticking to the same code of values but under a different name. He points out that if we were to truly throw away the traditional value system and start over, there would be no where to start from. What good is any system without values to back it up, and who can say which values are worth building the system on?

Lewis brings out an answer that is compatible to what he says in "Mere Christianity." We do not set out own standards. They are set for us. This is proven by the fact that people argue. You cannot argue without a standard against which to judge your actions. This standard is universal because the knowledge of what is right and wrong is found in the conscience of man.

I think it would be really difficult to read this essay and not see the problems connected to the ideas of subjective reason and subjective morality. Lewis did not just say, "I don't agree with these ideas" he said "They simply don't work."