divine command theory Flashcards
what does divine command theory say?
it is our duty to obey the rules commanded by god and all law is created by god
what type of argument is DCT
deontological as it is our duty to follow gods commands
how does DCT explain right and wrong?
gods commands are standard for moral behaviour and right is only right and wrong is only wrong because god commands it
how is moral goodness achieved?
must obey the commands laid out by god, as it is our duty to obey them
how does following gods commands better improve the relationship with god?
it is vital for ethical behaviour because those who in fellowship of god can better understand his will
what is Robert Adams modified DCT?
morality is not simply based on a command from god, it is intrinsic to his unchanging omnibenelvolent nature
in modified DCT why is moral goodness not arbitrary?
gods nature is intrinsically benevolent, so to command anything not good is a violation of gods nature, it is logically impossible
what challenge does the euthyphro dilemma pose?
does god command it because it is good, therefore he is not all powerful as there is something above him
or
is it good because god commands it, therefore god could change his mind on what’s good and say killing is good, doesn’t sound like a god worth worshipping
what challenge does the arbitrariness problem pose?
if the definition of what’s good comes from god, he can command something random and declare it good making the act have no special quality as its just gods whim
what is the pluralism objection?
there are many ethical systems around the world that claim sources of authority, and some conflict. how do we know which one is right?
where can you get gods commands from?
- 10 commandments
* scriptures
what is strong DCT?
sees all scriptures as detailing behaviour and should be taken as it is
what is weak DCT?
god gives commands that set the boundaries and content of ones decision making
