Divine Command Theory

Question 1

What is the theory of divine command?

Answer 1

1) Theory: We should always do whatever God commands us

In other words, for a person to be morally good is to follow God’s will and commands.

So, what is good is what god wants or what religion requires through sacred texts, prophets, priests etc)

Question 2

What are the strengths of divine command theory?

Answer 2

1) The theory does not have problems with motivation

2) The theory gives you good reasons to obey

3) Clear guidance: it gives us rules to follow, and it comes from someone who is perfect and divine (higher power)

Question 3

What are the weaknesses of divine command theory?

Answer 3

1. The sacred texts which are the main foundations (bible, coran etc) are extremely long, messy, and contradictory (you’ll probably find another passage that will contradict another passage).
2. Problems of interpretation (meaning of the bible)
3. The passages are not univocal (they dont have 1 single meaning)
4. Translation problems (linguistic)
5. Not all contexts are discussed in the bible (modern technology)
6. Its based on faith

Question 4

Is the divine command theory objectivist or relativist?

Answer 4

Objectivist, because the rules are equally applied to everyone who follows them. Everyone is under the same set of rules (commands by god)