Reference no: EM133278703

Assignment:

On April 17-18, 1521, the controversial German priest, Martin Luther was summoned to the Diet (Assembly) of Worms to appear before the Holy Roman Emperor and officials of the Roman Catholic Church. The purpose of the summons was for Luther to renounce his writings which the authorities believed were causing dissention. After some spirited give and take over the categories and content of Luther's books, as well as over Luther's views on the decisions of Church Councils, the interrogator impatiently demanded that Luther stop attempting to debate and give a simple yes or no answer as to whether he would renounce his writings.

In response to the insistence of the interrogator, Luther replied, "Since Your Imperial Majesty and Your Lordships demand a simple answer, here it is, plain and unvarnished. Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have often contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."

Since this event took place in the context of a disagreement within the Christian Church, it is natural to assume that Martin Luther would use Divine Command Ethics to resolve his dilemma over whether he should renounce his writings. While much of what Luther said in the conclusion to his defense is based on an appeal to the Bible, a key element in Luther's concluding statement uses an argument from Virtue Ethics.

1. Identify Luther's Virtue Ethics argument (make sure to elaborate and be specific).

2. Define Eudaimonia and discuss how Luther's argument fits with the concept of Eudaimonia (why and how).