Ethical language (Religion and Morality)

Question 1

What is the DCT?

Answer 1

Divine command theory is the idea that morality depends upon G-d, and moral obligation is obedience of G-d’s commands

Question 2

What are the strengths and limits of DCT?

Answer 2

Strengths:
- It provides an objective metaphysical foundation for morality
Limits:
- The theory is egotistical

Question 3

What is The Euthyphro Dilemma?

Answer 3

It is a dilemma that argues if things are G-d because G-d commands it or because it is inherently good
“Does G-d command a particular action because it is morally right, or is it morally right because G-d commanded it”

Question 4

Objections to the Euthyphro Dilemma?

Answer 4

• G-d would only command things according to our nature (e.g. Love others)
• MDCT; “any action is ethically wrong only if it is contrary to the commands of a loving G-d”

Question 5

First objection to the DCT

Answer 5

1. Ethics without G-d:
   - Nielsen argues that morality cannot depend upon the will of G-d, as morality and religion are logically dependent
   - A religious believer would respond saying if G-d is good (evident in the Bible and natural world), then following his commands must be a moral obligation.
   - Nielsen would then claim that the believer has some logically prior criterion of goodness, not just based on G-d’s existence

Question 6

Second objection to DCT

Answer 6

2. The omnipotence objection:
   - MDCT claims that G-d cannot do evil which would be inconsistent with his omnipotence attribute
   - Aquinas argues that G-d is limited to being able to do all logically possible things, whereas he is unable to do the logically impossible

Question 7

Third objection to DCT

Answer 7

3. The pluralism objection:
   - The objection is that it is difficult to know which divine commands to follow due to disagreement between different religions and within a religion.
   - It is up to the individual to discern the which divine commands are correct

Question 8

What are the limits of Sharpe’s moral argument?

Answer 8

Limits:
- Sharpe dismisses the bible and religious experiences with little argument
- Christians don’t only express Gods love in terms of human love as seen in 1 john 3:16 which explains gods love through Jesus dying on the cross