The Enlightenment Sleight of Hand

Bry Willis of Philosophics Blog argues that the Enlightenment, while seemingly a break from religious thought, actually re-packaged theological concepts within secular systems, particularly the legal framework. It posits that ideas like "guilty mind" (mens rea) and retributive justice are direct descendants of religious notions of sin and divine punishment. Citing philosopher Galen Strawson's argument against ultimate moral responsibility, the text contends that without a concept of being "causa sui" (self-caused), free will and the basis for retributive justice crumble. Ultimately, the author suggests a shift from punishment based on outrage to responses grounded in outcomes, compassion, and prevention, advocating for a fundamental "rewrite" of societal ethical structures to truly move beyond theological residue.https://philosophics.blog/2025/06/19/the-enlightenment-sleight-of-hand/