Philosophy of Morality and Divine Command Theory

Questions and Answers

What does the Divine Command Theory state?

All acts are morally neutral.

Morality is independent of religion.

An act is morally right because it is inherently right.

An act is morally right because God commands that we perform it. (correct)

What are the three ways in which morality allegedly depends on religion?

Lack of motivation, 2) Lack of knowledge of right and wrong, 3) No moral rightness without God.

The Ethical Omniscience Theory states that God commands that we perform an act because it is morally right.

True

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

Divine Command Theory = Morality is based on God's commands Three Ways Morality Depends on Religion = Motivation, Knowledge, Neutrality The Euthyphro Dilemma = Is an act morally right because God commands it? Ethical Omniscience Theory = God commands because an act is morally right Signup and view all the answers

What is the Euthyphro Dilemma?

Is an act morally right because God commands that we perform it, or does God command an act because it is morally right? Signup and view all the answers

Which objection claims that moral wrongness is simply God's command?

It can lead to justifying morally wrong acts. Signup and view all the answers

List one argument for the Divine Command Theory.

It is not vulnerable to objections that moral relativism faces. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the replies to the objection that God could make immoral acts morally right?

God would not command immoral acts. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical question does the statement regarding God's attributes raise?

Is God good because he has loving and just attributes, or are these attributes good because God has them? Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Divine Command Theory

Morality is defined by God's commands; acts deemed right or wrong based on divine instructions.
Distinct from the ethical omniscience theory, which suggests God commands acts because they are intrinsically right or wrong.

Morality and Religion

Lack of Motivation: Argument that religion provides necessary motivation for moral actions; contested by non-religious motivations.
Moral Knowledge: Claims that religion is essential for knowing right from wrong; however, history suggests morality existed before religion.
Moral Neutrality: The idea that, without God, nothing is morally right or wrong; suggests dependence on divine authority for moral values.

Ethical Omniscience Theory

God's commands align with inherent moral truths, differing from the Divine Command Theory where morality is dictated by God's will.

Euthyphro Dilemma

Questions the basis of morality: Is it right because God commands it, or does God command it because it is right?

Arguments Supporting the Divine Command Theory

Not susceptible to criticisms aimed at moral relativism.
Reinforces the sovereignty of God over moral standards.

Criticism of the Divine Command Theory

Moral Wrongness: Claims moral wrongness is simply due to God’s prohibition, not the effects on victims.
Neutrality of Atrocities: Acts like murder and genocide are seen as morally neutral before divine commandments.
Divine Command's Authority: Suggests God could declare any act morally acceptable, challenging morality's stability.

Responses to Objections

Historical Authority: God’s past commands still hold relevance today (e.g. the commandments against killing).
Perfect Moral Goodness: God is seen as good due to adherence to moral standards; however, this raises questions about the nature of goodness.
Independence Issue: Stating acts like murder are wrong outside of divine command undermines the Divine Command Theory.

Moral Traits and the Concept of Goodness

Explores whether moral goodness is based on God's attributes or if these traits define goodness independently of a deity.
Suggests moral ideals can exist without a divine being, focusing on attributes like love and justice as central to moral goodness.

Description

Explore the intricate relationships between morality, religion, and ethics in this quiz on Divine Command Theory and related concepts. Delve into discussions about moral knowledge, motivation for moral actions, and the Euthyphro Dilemma to better understand the foundations of ethical values. Test your understanding of whether morality is dependent on divine commands or exists independently.