DCT Flashcards
What is the definition of DCT?
it is a normative ethical theory raising a metaethical question - is everything dependent on a divine being? Where it is the approach of all monotheistic religions.
What do believers in DCT say about the theocentric universe we live in?
If we live in a theocentric universe the ethics of the world must be deontological and absolute where God’s plans determine the right and wrong where he is consistent with his character.
What is the contents of the DCT?
God is the origin and regulator of morality where his will and command decide right
It provides an objective metaphysical foundation for morality and is required for an omnipotent God and he is a eternal objective, principle of morality
What God says is good is good.
What did Frankena say about the law of God?
The standard of right and wrong is the will or law of God.
What is the Euthyrphro dilemma?
Plato’s challenge asking 2 questions of do the Gods decide what is good or bad or do moral values from an independent say it is good or bad seperate from the Gods?
and Arbitratiness problem?
The randomness of morals where if God were ordered to do the opposite of what is right then we ought to do if therefore it would make it random.
What did Robert Adams Modified DCT say?
God wouldn’t do anything against his nature of omnibenevolence in Bible and will not go against Jesus where goodness is a characteristic of him
What did Leibniz question?
The value of goodness and the essence of good can be valueed where if someone does something good its because God commands it not because of the morality of the action.
If God wills one person to do one thing and wills another to do opposite, then both would be morally good but rationally absurd.
What are the strengths of DCT?
It fits with the concept of divine sovereignty - it is impossible to think of a command without a commander
It is an objective moral system, not based on human emotions or consequences (it is deontological)
It is universal
It emphasis the virtue (behaviour showing high moral standard) of obedience
What are the weaknesses of DCT?
Dilemma and Arbitrary problems
Problems with religion and morality - different interpretations
Lacks flexibility to change its views to reflect modern society
God’s role in moral decision making is an unnecessary distraction according to Peter Geach
In a world of numerous religions, it is impossible to know which Gods or religions commands should be followed, especially because some religions contradict others, leaving it impossible to accept all of them.
What is the Pluralism objection to DCT?
If God commands different moral actions due to the numerous religions in the world, the differences can show inconsistencies regardless of if there is commonality found.
It is impossible to know which God/religion commands it.
What is the homosexuality example to DCT?
Leviticus 20:13 shows they are against homosexuality and should be put to death but female homosexuality is considered to be allowed because Romans 1:26-28 says so
Also Jesus told us to forgive and tolerate those who are different.
What did Baggini say?
God set the moral rules and God’s rules apply to all irrespective of time and place. But it shows that God is the biggest relativist out of all of us because the rules are idealistically followed by everyone all the time because of religious pluralism and our biases.
