C.S. Lewis Chapter 1 & 2

The Search for Authenticity:     In regards to this unit, my preconceived assumptions were that humans act based off instinct, and that it is our instincts that help us determine whether something is right or wrong.  However, the ideas in chapters 1 and 2 actually say that good decision comes entirely from our morals and not instincts.  A main idea that is discussed often in these chapters is "The Law of Nature" (the ruling behind 'Right and Wrong').  Moreover, according to Lewis, our morals establish our foundation in the Law of Nature.  


The Search for a Meaningful Conversation:  The Most important questions that this reading inspires are:
1.) Why is the Law of Nature so significant in every human being's life?
2.) What is the difference between making decisions based on morals and making decisions based on instincts.
3.) Do we help others because of the "Law of Nature", or do we just want to feel good about ourselves?


The Search for Gold:     The main ideas in these chapters are:


1.) Everyone can learn from quarreling.
2.) We all participate in the Law of Nature.
3.) Our good and bad decisions are based entirely on our morals and not our instincts.
4.) Human beings think they're supposed to behave a certain way, but they end up not doing so, and that is when the Law of Nature comes into play.
5.)None of our instincts or impulses trigger our morals.


The Search for Understanding:     Inherently, chapters 1 and 2 is about decision making.  When it comes to the Law of Nature, all humans know the difference between right and wrong.  Whenever one is confronted by anything one has a decision to make, and that choice is either good or bad.  Generally, there is no line in between.  We make decisions based on our morals; in other words our upbringing and lifestyle.  Instincts have nothing to do with decision making - according to C.S. Lewis anyway.  Furthermore, all humans want to behave in a certain way, meaning we all want to behave righteously, but it is impossible for us all to do this.  We all have different morals, and some of the unfortunate folks who have bad upbringings may make bad decisions in their life.