Divine Command Theory

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

DCT asserts that morality is grounded in the commands of a divine being (e.g., God). What is morally right or wrong depends on what God commands.

Question 2

Theological Foundation

Answer 2

Moral truths are established by God, and to act morally, humans must follow God’s will.

Question 3

Objectivity

Answer 3

DCT provides an objective foundation for morality because it rests on the eternal nature of God’s commands.

Question 4

Euthyphro Dilemma

Answer 4

Is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is good? This challenges the idea that morality depends solely on divine commands.

Question 5

Arbitrariness Objection

Answer 5

If morality is based on God’s will, it could seem arbitrary—God could command something we find morally abhorrent, like torture.

Question 6

Moral Autonomy

Answer 6

Critics argue that DCT undermines human moral autonomy by making ethical reasoning dependent solely on God’s will

Question 7

Response to Moral Autonomy

Answer 7

Proponents of DCT may claim that moral autonomy is only meaningful if it aligns with divine wisdom.