Divine Command Theory

Question 1

What does meta-ethics explore?

Answer 1

• Meaning of moral language
• Justification of moral statements

These questions are interconnected, revealing the nature of moral claims.

Question 2

Meta-ethics uses what type of language?

Answer 2

Second-order language

It focuses on the meaning of ethical statements rather than the statements themselves.

Question 3

Name the three approaches to meta-ethics.

Answer 3

• Ethical naturalism
• Ethical non-naturalism
• Ethical non-cognitivism

These approaches define how we understand moral claims.

Question 4

What is the key distinction between secular ethics and religious ethics?

Answer 4

Sources of moral authority

Secular ethics relies on reason and shared values, while religious ethics derives from divine commands.

Question 5

What is the core definition of Divine Command Theory?

Answer 5

Whatever God commands must be good

God is seen as the source of all goodness.

Question 6

What is a major challenge in interpreting Divine Command Theory?

Answer 6

Understanding what God commands or forbids

Different religions may have varying interpretations of divine commands.

Question 7

What is the Protestant rationale for Divine Command Theory?

Answer 7

• God as Creator
• Organic link between Creator and created
• Humans share God’s rational and moral character
• Following God’s commands

This rationale is based on scripture and God’s moral character.

Question 8

What is the Euthyphro Dilemma?

Answer 8

Is conduct right because the gods command it, or do the gods command it because it is right?

This dilemma raises questions about God’s moral goodness and omnipotence.

Question 9

List some strengths of Divine Command Theory.

Answer 9

• Grounded in God
• Universal rules
• Clear and straightforward
• End-goal to morality
• Perfect judge

These strengths appeal to believers seeking a moral framework.

Question 10

List some weaknesses of Divine Command Theory.

Answer 10

• Biblical reliability issues
• Immoral commands in the Bible
• Problem of autonomy
• Euthyphro Dilemma

These weaknesses challenge the validity of Divine Command Theory.

Question 11

Divine Command Theory is classified as a non-naturalist theory because it holds that the source of ‘good’ is in __________.

Answer 11

a supernatural being (God)

This classification emphasizes that goodness is not derived from nature.