Divine command theory

Definition

Divine command theory is the ethical view that moral values and duties are grounded in the commands of a divine being. This theory posits that what is morally right or wrong is determined by God's will, suggesting that moral truths are objective and universal as they originate from a higher power. It connects to the idea that ethical standards are not human-made but are instead based on divine authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Divine command theory asserts that moral obligations are commanded by God, making adherence to these commands essential for moral behavior.
2. Critics argue that divine command theory leads to the Euthyphro dilemma, questioning whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is good.
3. Supporters maintain that divine command theory provides a clear and objective basis for morality, as it does not rely on subjective human opinions.
4. This theory often intersects with religious beliefs, influencing ethical discussions within various faith traditions.
5. The idea of divine command theory has implications for legal systems, as some argue that laws should reflect divine principles for true justice.

Review Questions

• How does divine command theory establish a link between morality and the commands of a divine being?
  • Divine command theory establishes a connection between morality and divine commands by asserting that moral truths are derived from the will of God. This means that actions deemed morally right or wrong are dictated by what God has commanded. Therefore, followers believe that to be morally correct, individuals must align their actions with these divine commands, thus creating a relationship between ethics and religious belief.
• Discuss the criticisms related to the Euthyphro dilemma and its relevance to divine command theory.
  • The Euthyphro dilemma presents a significant critique of divine command theory by asking whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is inherently good. This dilemma raises questions about the nature of morality; if actions are good solely because of God's commands, then morality may seem arbitrary. Conversely, if God commands actions because they are good, then there must be a standard of goodness independent of divine will, which undermines the foundation of divine command theory itself.
• Evaluate how divine command theory impacts discussions on objective morality and ethical absolutism in philosophical debates.
  • Divine command theory significantly influences discussions on objective morality and ethical absolutism by asserting that moral truths exist independently of human perspectives, based solely on divine authority. This perspective upholds that moral laws are absolute and universal, as they originate from a transcendent source. However, critics challenge this view by arguing that it can lead to subjective interpretations of God's will and potentially conflicting moral directives among different faiths. As such, the ongoing debate highlights the complexities of establishing a universally accepted ethical framework rooted in divine authority.

Related terms

Morality: The principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

Objective Morality:

The belief that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, independent of human opinions or beliefs.

Ethical Absolutism: The view that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that those standards apply universally.