M2 | Divine Command Theory

Euthyphro Problem

A philosophical dilemma questioning whether an action is morally right because God commands it or if God commands it because it is morally right. This challenges the foundation of Divine Command Theory (DCT).

Divine Command Theory (DCT)

The ethical theory that moral values are determined by God's commands, meaning that what is right or wrong is based on God's will.

False

True or False:

If something is morally right because God commands it, then morality is not arbitrary(random).

True

True or False:

If God commands an action because it is morally right, then morality is independent of God.

True

True or False:

A conflict within Divine Command Theory where morality is either arbitrary (if based purely on God's command) or independent of God (if morality exists separately from God's will).

True

True or False:

The Euthyphro dilemma challenges both God's omnipotence and omniscience.

St. Augustine of Hippo

A Christian philosopher who integrated faith and reason, emphasizing that God's nature itself is the source of moral goodness.

False

True or False

St. Augustine argued that morality is separate from God's nature, and ethical truths exist independently of divine influence.

St. Augustine of Hippo

A philosopher and theologian who contributed to Christian thought, particularly in ethics, human nature, and the philosophy of love. His major works include Confessions and City of God.

True

True or False:

Augustine believed that humans are created by God and naturally seek Him, as expressed in his famous quote: “Oh Lord, you have created us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

Love

It is the central force in human life, and true ___ is directed toward God. We ___ things in the world not for their own sake but because they reflect God's truth, goodness, and beauty.

Virtue

It is “rightly ordered love,” meaning that humans must love things according to their true worth, with God as the highest priority.

True

True or False:

According to Augustine, true happiness cannot be found in material things, which are temporary. Eternal happiness is only found in God, who is the ultimate source of love and fulfilment.

True

True or False:

Sin, according to Augustine, is a result of disordered love, where humans prioritize temporary things over God.

True

True or False:

The will, according to Augustine, plays a role in endorsing or rejecting what we love.

False

True or False:

Augustine believed that all things in creation are equal to God and should be loved for their own sake.

True

True or False:

For Augustine, a person who seeks spiritual happiness and eternal peace is living a truly fulfilled life.

Eternal Law

The rational plan of God by which all creation is ordered; it has always existed as part of God's mind and manifests in all things following a purpose.

Natural Law

The part of Eternal Law that human beings can understand through reason; it includes primary precepts such as preserving life, reproduction, worshiping God, and living well in society.

Human Law

Laws created by human societies and governments; they must align with Natural Law to be just and morally binding.

Divine Law

The laws revealed by God through Scripture and Sacred Tradition, such as the Ten Commandments, which provide moral guidance beyond human reason.

1. Eternal

2. Natural

3. Human

4. Divine laws.

Four primary types of law according to Aquinas:

Primary Precepts

A fundamental principles of Natural Law, including the preservation of life, reproduction, education, worship of God, and living harmoniously in society.

Secondary Precepts

A specific human-made laws derived from Natural Law; their validity depends on their consistency with Natural Law.

Telos

The goal or purpose of something; Aquinas, like Aristotle, believes that moral goodness is achieved when something fulfills its natural purpose.

Ten Commandments

A set of ethical and religious directives revealed to Moses, serving as a moral foundation in Judaism and Christianity.

First Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"You shall have no other gods before me." Establishes monotheism and exclusive devotion to God.

Second Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"You shall not make for yourself an idol." Prohibits idolatry and worship of images or objects as gods.

Third Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God." Encourages reverence and respect for God's name.

Fourth Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Establishes a day of rest and worship in honor of God's creation.

Fifth Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"Honor your father and your mother." Emphasizes respect and care for parents and their role in guiding life.

Sixth Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"You shall not murder." Prohibits the unlawful taking of human life and upholds the sanctity of life.

Seventh Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"You shall not commit adultery." Upholds faithfulness in marriage and prohibits infidelity.

Eight Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"You shall not steal." Prohibits taking another person's property without consent.

Ninth Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Encourages truthfulness and integrity in relationships.

Tenth Commandment

Which commandment is this?

"You shall not covet your neighbor’s possessions." Prohibits envy and the desire for what belongs to others.