Abstract

This essay argues that the necessary and sufficient evaluative condition for the justification of moral claims is a religious principle. Self-conscious choice entails a comprehensive variable in terms of which all possible human choice alternatives may be understood. This same variable must also be evaluative, such that human choices which are superior in its terms are categorically required and it is the necessary and sufficient evaluative condition for the justification of moral claims. Moreover, the comprehensive variable in question must be a metaphysical variable in terms of which all conceivable instances of concrete existence are understood and evaluated. Appropriating Clifford Geertz, I stipulate that a variable or principle which identifies fact with value at the most fundamental level is religious.