Divine Command Theory Flashcards
What does “Ethics” mean in Greek?
Ethike, meaning habit of behaviour
What is a meta ethical theory?
consideration of what ethics actually is and what it actually means to talk about something being ethical
What is the Euthyphro Dilemma?
“is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?”
What does arbitrary mean?
based on random choice and personal whim
What does objective mean?
factual
What is the decalogue?
10 commandments
How do biblical writers view ethics?
theologically, and not abstractly or naturalistically
What does viewing ethics theologically mean?
rooted in the nature of activity of God
Where is God’s purpose for humanity revealed for Christians?
in scripture
Why is God absolutely correct?
because he is perfect and has all the omni’s
What does Robert Adams state about God’s commandments and moral truth?
God’s commandments precede moral truths
Why is morality not arbitrary to Robert Adams?
because Morality is not based on the mere commands of God but is instead innate within God
What does morality being innate with God mean?
morality does not exist outside of God, rather it is part of being God
Why would God never command cruelty for cruelty’s sake?
it is unthinkable due to his omnibenevolent nature
