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Meta Ethics

The Foundations of Divine Command Theory

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Recall questions on what determines moral obligation, why commands bind, and the strength claimed for grounding morality in God.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Define Divine Command Theory.

Key term

According to Divine Command Theory, what determines moral obligations?

Key term

What is the Euthyphro dilemma and why is it a challenge to Divine Command Theory?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Define Divine Command Theory.

    Model answer

    Divine Command Theory holds that an action is morally right if and only if God commands it, and morally wrong if and only if God forbids it.

  2. 2

    According to Divine Command Theory, what determines moral obligations?

    Model answer

    Moral obligations are dependent on the will of God rather than on any independent standard.

  3. 3

    What is one strength of Divine Command Theory regarding the foundation of morality?

    Model answer

    It provides a clear, absolute foundation for morality grounded in divine authority.

  4. 4

    How does Divine Command Theory explain why moral commands are binding?

    Model answer

    It explains that moral commands carry binding obligation because they originate from God's authority.

  5. 5

    What is the Euthyphro dilemma and why is it a challenge to Divine Command Theory?

    Model answer

    The Euthyphro dilemma asks: is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is good? This poses a problem for Divine Command Theory either way.

  6. 6

    If something is good only because God commands it, what problem arises for morality?

    Model answer

    Morality appears arbitrary, since God could command anything and it would become good.

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AExclusivism holds salvation is available only to Christians.
BInclusivism holds salvation is available through Christ to non-Christians.
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