Lewis Dangerous Idea: The Radical Transformation of Society

"We can only hope to escape the dangers of the present by studying the past," wrote C.S. Lewis, a renowned British author and intellectual. In his book "The Abolition of Man," Lewis put forth what he called his dangerous idea, a concept that could potentially lead to a radical transformation of our society.

Before diving deep into Lewis' dangerous idea, let's familiarize ourselves with the man behind this thought-provoking proposition. Clive Staples Lewis, commonly known as C.S. Lewis, was a versatile writer who explored various genres, including fantasy fiction, Christian apologetics, and literary criticism. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1898, Lewis grew up to become a renowned scholar and a professor at the University of Oxford.

In his book "The Abolition of Man," Lewis expounded on his dangerous idea about society. He argued that modern education was moving towards the erosion of traditional values and objective truths. Lewis believed that education should not merely concentrate on imparting knowledge and skills, but also on cultivating moral virtues and virtues of the heart.

C. S. Lewis's Dangerous Idea: In Defense of the Argument from Reason

by Victor Reppert(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1847 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	132 pages

FREE

Throughout the book, Lewis presents a strong criticism of moral relativism and the consequences it would have on society. He argued that without a universally accepted moral framework, society would be left without any foundation for distinguishing between right and wrong. In such a scenario, Lewis feared that humans would lose their humanity and become products of their own subjective preferences.

Lewis believed that the consequences of losing the concept of objective values and the depreciation of virtues would result in the abolition of man himself. He saw a future where humanity would be reduced to mere objects, devoid of any intrinsic value. This radical transformation, according to Lewis, was both dangerous and irreversible.

In opposition to this dangerous idea, Lewis proposed a counter-argument that emphasized the importance of nurturing the universal, objective values found across different cultures and religions. He claimed that these values were essential for the well-being and flourishing of society as a whole.

Although Lewis' dangerous idea might appear pessimistic, it serves as a call to action for society. By recognizing the dangers of moral relativism, it encourages us to engage in conversations about the importance of moral education and ethical principles. Lewis believed that it was through these discussions that society could work towards a better future, one that upholds the dignity and worth of every individual.

Furthermore, Lewis's book highlights the significance of critical thinking and the need to examine the assumptions underlying our beliefs. By questioning societal norms and values, Lewis advocated for a more thoughtful and reflective approach to life. This, he believed, would enable individuals to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society.

Lewis' dangerous idea resonates even more strongly in today's world, where moral relativism and the erosion of objective values continue to shape our society. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected and diverse world, it becomes essential to have a foundation rooted in universal morals and virtues.

, Lewis' dangerous idea shines a light on the perils of moral relativism and the importance of reviving or strengthening the concept of objective values in society. It challenges us to reevaluate our priorities, engage in critical discussions, and work towards a society that values human dignity and the well-being of all its members. By embracing this dangerous idea, we might be able to shape a future that is not only free from moral decay but also filled with compassion, empathy, and respect for one another.

C. S. Lewis's Dangerous Idea: In Defense of the Argument from Reason

by Victor Reppert(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1847 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	132 pages

FREE

Who ought to hold claim to the more dangerous idea--Charles Darwin or C. S. Lewis? Daniel Dennett argued for Darwin in Darwin's Dangerous Idea (Touchstone Books, 1996). In this book Victor Reppert champions C. S. Lewis.
Darwinists attempt to use science to show that our world and its inhabitants can be fully explained as the product of a mindless, purposeless system of physics and chemistry. But Lewis claimed in his argument from reason that if such materialism or naturalism were true then scientific reasoning itself could not be trusted.
Victor Reppert believes that Lewis's arguments have been too often dismissed. In C. S. Lewis's Dangerous Idea Reppert offers careful, able development of Lewis's thought and demonstrates that the basic thrust of Lewis's argument from reason can bear up under the weight of the most serious philosophical attacks.
Charging dismissive critics, Christian and not, with ad hominem arguments, Reppert also revisits the debate and subsequent interaction between Lewis and the philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe. And addressing those who might be afflicted with philosophical snobbery, Reppert demonstrates that Lewis's powerful philosophical instincts perhaps ought to place him among those other thinkers who, by contemporary standards, were also amateurs: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Spinoza, Locke and Hume.
But even more than this, Reppert's work exemplifies the truth that the greatness of Lewis's mind is best measured, not by his ability to do our thinking for us, but by his capacity to provide sound direction for taking our own thought further up and further in.