Divine Command Theory

Question 1

What is Divine Command Theory?

Answer 1

• it is cognitive so there is an object right/wrong
• it is non-naturalist as it does not base ethics on the world around us but God/divine
• religious theory of ethics
• it’s important to understand the distinction between the result of moral reasoning from the values that underpin that reasoning

Question 2

DCT 2

Answer 2

• belief that there is a God whose wish it is that people behave in certain ways
• moral commands are found in religious scriptures e.g. Exodus - the ten commandments
• obedience to the will of God is a key feature in deciding the different between right or wrong for a religious believer

Question 3

DCT: John Calvin

Answer 3

• protestant theologian
• Calvin taught that once a believer understands he is chosen by Christ to eternal life, he will never have to suffer doubt again about salvation

Question 4

DCT: John Calvin 2

Answer 4

“The will of God is the supreme rule of righteousness”

• trust God and everything he says
• God has the power to lay down what is good/bad

Question 5

DCT: John Calvin 3

Answer 5

• God cannot be ‘caused’ to do anything, for that would imply there is a force external from God, but God is omnipotent
• to challenge or question God’s will is to ask for something greater
• for Calvin, DCT is a natural result of the absolute power of and sovereignty of God

Question 6

DCT: Karl Barth

Answer 6

“How can God be understood as the Lord if that does not involve the problem of human disobedience”

Question 7

DCT: Karl Barth 2

Answer 7

• Barth argues that, although he is not surprised that people have always tried to figure out ethics good/bad

Question 8

DCT: The Catholic Church

Answer 8

• presents a similar argument
• leader of the church - the Pope - Bishop of Rome
• the Pope has authority
• whatever the Church says, goes

Question 9

The Euthyphro Dilemma

Answer 9

Do the gods love good action because it is good, or is good action good because it is loved by the Gods?