WEEK_5

What is the primary claim of Divine Command Theory?

God decrees what is right and wrong; actions commanded by God are morally required, while forbidden actions are morally wrong.

What is the central critique of the Divine Command Theory regarding morality?

If God's commands define morality, then morality is considered arbitrary and mysterious.

How does the Theory of Natural Law differ from Positive Law?

Natural Law is based on inherent purposes and inclinations of human nature, while Positive Law is independent of nature and theology.

What issue does David Hume raise regarding the is-ought problem?

Hume argues that one cannot derive prescriptive moral statements from descriptive facts.

What is a significant advantage of the Divine Command Theory?

It provides an objective basis for ethics, as what is right is defined by God's commands.

Why might Divine Command Theory be problematic for non-believers?

Non-believers cannot accept the theory, as it relies on the existence of God.

What is a limitation in defining morality through God’s commands?

It raises the question of whether right acts are right because God commands them or if God commands them because they are right.

According to Natural Law Theory, why are we morally required to practice beneficence?

Beneficence is seen as natural due to our social nature as human beings.

What does Natural Law suggest about laws of nature?

They describe not only how things are but also how things ought to be, guiding moral behavior.

What does the Theory of Natural Law imply about sexual practices?

It may condemn sexual practices not tied to procreation as ‘unnatural’, linking purpose to morality.

What challenge does Natural Law Theory face in terms of science?

It conflicts with modern science, which describes the world as governed by cause and effect without inherent values or purposes.

What major philosopher questioned the relationship between morality and divine commands?

Socrates, in Plato's Euthyphro dialogue.

What worldview does the Theory of Natural Law rest on?

The belief that the world has a rational order with inherent values and purposes.

What is implied about moral knowledge in the Theory of Natural Law?

Moral laws are understood through reason, allowing both believers and nonbelievers to discern right from wrong.

Why is the Divine Command Theory seen as reducing moral principles to mere obedience?

It implies that moral actions are right solely because God commanded them, lacking any inherent value.

What could be a counterexample to the statement 'what's natural is good' according to critiques of Natural Law Theory?

Natural inclinations like selfishness may lead to negative outcomes, thus not all natural things are considered good.