Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Ethics AS > Divine command theory > Flashcards

Divine command theory Flashcards

1
Q

What is another name for divine command theory?

A

Theological voluntarism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

According to divine command theory, what directs morality?

A

God’s commands direct morality.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the basis of morality for theological voluntarists?

A

Morality has a supernatural basis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How is the concept of ‘good’ linked to divine command theory?

A

The concept of ‘good’ is necessarily linked to the existence of a divine being.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What determines whether an action is morally right or wrong in divine command theory?

A

Whatever God commands is morally right, and whatever God forbids is morally wrong.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does Divine Command Theory assume about God?

A

It assumes that God, the creator and sustainer of the universe, exists and is concerned with human action.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What do theists who support Divine Command Theory argue about moral requirements?

A

They argue that all moral requirements come from God, who has created all things

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

According to Divine Command Theory, why are things considered good or bad?

A

Things are considered good because God wills them to be so, and bad because God forbids them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the single moral obligation for theological voluntarists?

A

The single moral obligation is to obey God.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Why should commands such as forbidding theft or lying be obeyed, according to Divine Command Theory?

A

Because God commands them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What role does free will play in Divine Command Theory?

A

It requires the belief that we have free will to choose behaviours contrary to God’s command, but we should choose to avoid these behaviours to be morally virtuous.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Provide examples of commands from scripture that align with Divine Command Theory.

A

In Exodus 20, God commands the Hebrews not to lie or steal. In Matthew 22, Jesus commands that people should love God and their neighbour

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How does Divine Command Theory address the problem of morality being subjective?

A

It bypasses the problem by presenting morality as objective and not dependent on human perspectives or opinions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is morality according to Divine Command Theory, if not just a matter of opinion or social custom?

A

Morality is an objective, impartial law that is not dependent upon any limited human perspective.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why is morality considered objective and impartial in Divine Command Theory?

A

Because it is determined by a transcendent source beyond human perspectives.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What does Divine Command Theory offer as a reason for why we should act morally?

A

It provides the reason that there will be divine punishment for ignoring God’s commands or divine reward for obeying them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the consequences of obeying or ignoring God’s commands according to Divine Command Theory?

A

Ignoring God’s commands leads to divine punishment, while obeying them leads to divine reward.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the two main claims of Divine Command Theory?

A

(1) What God commands is the same as that which is good (a meta-ethical claim). (2) We ought to obey anything that God commands (a normative claim).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the focus of a meta-ethical approach to ethics?

A

It is concerned with the definitions of moral terms like ‘good’ or ‘evil.’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How does Divine Command Theory define ‘goodness’?

A

Goodness is defined as ‘what God commands.’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the focus of a normative approach to ethics?

A

It is concerned with formulating actual rules for human behavior, saying we should obey whatever God commands.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

According to Divine Command Theory, why should moral obligations be performed?

A

Moral obligations should be performed because God has commanded them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Why is it intellectually unreasonable to act contrary to any command from God according to Divine Command Theory?

A

Because to be a morally good person, one should obey God’s commands, making it unreasonable to act against them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What do atheist theological voluntarist scholars agree on if an all-powerful being exists?

A

They agree that such a being would require obedience.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Why would the commands of an all-powerful being require obedience according to theological voluntarists?

A

Because all of the being’s commands would be morally perfect.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Why is it logically coherent to say that an all-powerful creator God would create the standard of morality for humanity?

A

Because an all-powerful creator God would have the authority and capability to establish a perfect moral standard.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the implication for humanity if God has created the standard of morality?

A

Humanity must obey the standard of morality established by God.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Where is the basis of all moral action found according to Divine Command Theory?

A

In anything that God commands.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

How is the goodness of God’s commands characterized in relation to the empirical world and individual desires?

A

It is beyond the ordinary workings of the empirical world or individual desires.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Why are God’s commands considered objectively good?

A

Because they are not subject to personal preferences or opinions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is required to be a good person according to Divine Command Theory?

A

To comply with God’s will.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is the Euthyphro dilemma, and who introduced it?

A

The Euthyphro dilemma challenges Divine Command Theory and was introduced by Plato.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the context of Plato’s dialogue Euthyphro?

A

It is a conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro, who are both waiting outside a courthouse.

34
Q

Why are Socrates and Euthyphro at the courthouse in Plato’s dialogue?

A

Socrates is awaiting prosecution for corrupting the young, and Euthyphro is there because he has accused his father of murdering a laborer.

35
Q

What position does Euthyphro take regarding piety and the gods?

A

Euthyphro claims that piety is what is dear to the gods, and impiety is what is not dear to them.

36
Q

How does Socrates challenge Euthyphro’s definition of piety?

A

Socrates asks Euthyphro to further define ‘piety’ and explain how we know his statement is true.

37
Q

What is the central question Socrates asks Euthyphro about the nature of piety?

A

Socrates asks whether the pious is loved by the gods because it is holy, or if it is holy because it is loved by the gods.

38
Q

Why is the Euthyphro dilemma a significant challenge to Divine Command Theory?

A

It questions whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is good, challenging the basis of moral goodness in Divine Command Theory.

39
Q

What are the two horns presented by the Euthyphro dilemma?

A

(1) Good is commanded by God because it is good. (2) Good is commanded by God therefore it is good.

40
Q

What is the first horn of the Euthyphro dilemma?

A

The independent problem - The first horn suggests that ‘good’ is a separate entity from God and God’s will.

41
Q

What problem does the first horn of the Euthyphro dilemma create for theists?

A

It implies that God’s goodness is measured against an external and independent standard.

42
Q

According to the first horn of the Euthyphro dilemma, why is it problematic to say that God is good?

A

Because it means that humanity can achieve goodness without reference to God, by adhering to an independent standard.

43
Q

Why is the first horn of the Euthyphro dilemma considered unacceptable for theists?

A

It suggests that the answer to moral questions (e.g., “Why should I tell the truth?”) is not “because God wills it,” but rather “because truthfulness is good,” making goodness independent of God.

44
Q

What is the second horn of the Euthyphro dilemma known as?

A

The arbitrariness problem.

45
Q

What does the second horn of the Euthyphro dilemma suggest about goodness?

A

That goodness is caused by God’s approval.

46
Q

Why does the second horn lead to the arbitrariness problem?

A

Because it means that anything God commands would be considered ‘good,’ making morality arbitrary.

47
Q

What is the implication of the arbitrariness problem for Divine Command Theory?

A

It implies that God’s commands could be random or morally questionable, yet still be considered ‘good.’

48
Q

What example illustrates the issue with the second horn of the Euthyphro dilemma?

A

If God commanded murder, Euthyphro would be forced to support his father’s actions, illustrating the problematic nature of arbitrary morality.

49
Q

What is the pluralism objection to Divine Command Theory?

A

The pluralism objection points out that there are multiple religions with different understandings of divinity and commands, challenging the idea that divine commands provide a clear moral standard.

50
Q

How does the pluralism objection highlight the challenge posed by different religious beliefs?

A

It shows that there are numerous understandings of divinity and conflicting commands, making it difficult to determine which commands are morally correct.

51
Q

What are some examples of conflicting religious beliefs regarding divinity and commands?

A

Classical theism (belief in one omnipotent God) contradicts polytheism (belief in many deities). Additionally, commands in different religious texts, such as the Old and New Testaments, may conflict with each other.

52
Q

Why do conflicting commands from different religious beliefs pose a problem for Divine Command Theory?

A

Because if conflicting commands cannot all be good, believers face the challenge of determining which commands to follow.

53
Q

According to the pluralism objection, how do believers determine which commands to follow?

A

Believers must decide for themselves through a process of deliberation and reasoning, similar to non-believers.

54
Q

What implication does the pluralism objection have for Divine Command Theory regarding the process of determining what is good?

A

It suggests that obedience to divine commands is insufficient to determine what is good, as believers must engage in a similar process of moral deliberation as non-believers.

55
Q

What is the primary objection Robert Merrihew Adams sees arising from Divine Command Theory?

A

The arbitrariness problem.

56
Q

How does Adams propose to address the arbitrariness problem in Divine Command Theory?

A

By suggesting possible solutions.

57
Q

What is the first solution proposed by Adams to the arbitrariness problem?

A

It is logically impossible for God to command cruelty for its own sake, making it senseless to debate.

58
Q

What is the second solution proposed by Adams to the arbitrariness problem?

A

God could command cruelty for its own sake, and if God commanded it, we would be obliged to obey, although Adams believes God does not do so.

59
Q

Why does Robert Merrihew Adams find the first solution to the arbitrariness problem unacceptable?

A

He sees no logical reason why it is impossible for God to command cruelty for its own sake.

60
Q

What logical reason does Adams reject for the impossibility of God commanding cruelty?

A

The idea that God’s nature would have to be subject to an external standard of right and wrong.

61
Q

What would it imply if it were impossible for God to command cruelty according to Adams?

A

It would imply that God is subject to an external standard, which is unacceptable in Christian thinking.

62
Q

Why is it unacceptable in Christian thinking for God to be subject to any external standard?

A

Because it would undermine the concept of God’s omnipotence and sovereignty.

63
Q

Why does Robert Merrihew Adams find the second solution to the arbitrariness problem unacceptable?

A

Because it goes against the Christian understanding of the nature of God.

64
Q

What aspect of Christian theology makes it abhorrent to assume that God could command cruelty?

A

The belief that God is inherently good and incapable of commanding cruelty.

65
Q

What difficulty does Adams encounter in agreeing with the idea that we should obey if God commands cruelty?

A

He finds it difficult to agree because it contradicts the Christian understanding of God’s nature.

66
Q

Why does rejecting obedience to God’s command of cruelty pose a problem for Divine Command Theory according to Adams?

A

Because it undermines the foundational principle of Divine Command Theory, which states that we should obey whatever God commands.

67
Q

What is the third solution proposed by Robert Merrihew Adams to the arbitrariness problem in Divine Command Theory?

A

Adams suggests that the statement “Cruelty is wrong” means the same as “Cruelty is against God’s command,” but this is only true if we assume God has a benevolent (loving) character.

68
Q

According to Divine Command Theory, what does the statement “Cruelty is wrong” mean?

A

It means the same as “Cruelty is against God’s command.”

69
Q

How does Adams qualify the truth of the statement “Cruelty is wrong” in relation to God’s commands?

A

Adams suggests that the truth of this statement depends on the assumption that God has a benevolent and loving character.

70
Q

What assumption is necessary for the equivalence of the statements “Cruelty is wrong” and “Cruelty is against God’s command” in Divine Command Theory?

A

The assumption that God has a benevolent and loving character.

71
Q

Why does Adams suggest that it may be acceptable to disobey God if God commands cruelty?

A

Because if God commands cruelty, it would contradict the assumption of God’s benevolent and loving character, thus making it acceptable to disobey.

72
Q

What stance does Robert Merrihew Adams take regarding disobeying God if God commands cruelty in Divine Command Theory?

A

Adams deliberately makes no claims about whether we should or should not obey if God commands cruelty.

73
Q

Why does Adams deliberately refrain from making claims about obedience or disobedience if God commands cruelty?

A

Because the concept of ‘wrong’ would become meaningless if God commanded it, rendering claims about obedience or disobedience irrelevant.

74
Q

According to Adams, what would happen to the concept of ‘wrong’ if God commanded cruelty?

A

The concept of ‘wrong’ would no longer have the same meaning if God commanded it.

75
Q

How does Adams suggest modifying Divine Command Theory to address the issue of God commanding cruelty?

A

Adams suggests modifying Divine Command Theory to define ‘X is ethically wrong’ as ‘X is contrary to the commands of a loving God.’

76
Q

What does Adams propose the statement “X is ethically wrong” means in the context of a modified Divine Command Theory?

A

In the context of a modified Divine Command Theory, the statement “X is ethically wrong” means ‘X is contrary to the commands of a loving God.’

77
Q

What does the Modified Divine Command Theory propose regarding the possibility of God commanding cruelty?

A

It acknowledges the logical possibility but argues that it is unthinkable for God to command cruelty because God is a loving God.

78
Q

Why does Adams argue that it is unthinkable for God to command cruelty, despite its logical possibility?

A

Because a loving God would not command cruelty, as it contradicts the very nature of God.

79
Q

What advantage does Adams’ position offer regarding the content of moral judgments?

A

The advantage is that the content of moral judgments is not arbitrary, as moral commands arise from the nature of God and cannot contain random content.

80
Q

According to Adams, from where do moral commands arise?

A

Moral commands arise from the very nature of God.

81
Q

Why does Adams argue that commands advocating cruelty need not be obeyed?

A

Because a being who commands cruelty for its own sake is not a loving God, and therefore these commands need not be obeyed.

Ethics AS (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions