Ethics 1A: Divine Command Theory

Meta-Ethical

Refers to the meaning of what is right and wrong.

Meta ethical theory

Theory that defines what is good, bad, moral, and immoral.

Divine Command Theory

Belief that God's commands determine what is morally right and wrong.

Euthyphro Dilemma

Plato's question of whether God decides what is good or if moral values come from an independent source.

Pluralism objection

Objection to Divine Command Theory due to the existence of different religious viewpoints.

Ockham's Razor

Principle that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

Peter Geach

Argues that actions are morally good or bad in themselves, making God's role in moral decision-making unnecessary.

Problem of Obedience

Disagreement over whether obedience is a virtue in Divine Command Theory.

Problem of Supervenience

Applying teachings from the Bible to modern ethical issues without knowing God's specific commands.