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TL;DR
The author contends this presumption is necessary to prevent existential harm, similar to the presumption against causing physical harm.
Bioethics · 1 author, 1 centre
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The author contends this presumption is necessary to prevent existential harm, similar to the presumption against causing physical harm.
The central argument is that religious convictions, as judgments of conscience, are rational expressions of a person's desire to realize their inherent dignity. The paper posits that respect for conscience is core to respecting human dignity, which is defined by the species capacities for reason and free choice. Consequently, a presumption in favor of respecting religious belief is advocated as a way to prevent 'existential harm.' This presumption is not absolute; beliefs may be overridden if they objectively violate inherent dignity or the dignity of others.