Ethics theme 1A - intro to ethics and DCT

Ethics

Ethics

the philosophical study of the concepts of moral right and wrong and moral good and bad

Meta-ethical theory

The study of the nature of ethical thinking for e.g considering why we act as we do or what goodness is and whether it exists

Normative ethics

Concerned with the criteria of what is morally right and wrong

Applied ethics

the application of the ethics to real-world problems

Moral

Concerned with the principles of right and wrong

Absolutists

An ethical system that believes there is a standard of right and wrong that is universal and unconditional

Relativists

An ethical system that believes there is no absolute right and wrong and that morality is relative to the norms of one’s culture

Subjective

The truth is dependent on a personal view (used to describe a theory)

Objective ethics / moral realism

belief that moral principles and values are universally, true and exist independently of individual opinions or feelings

Teleological (in terms with ethics)

A theory concerned with the end purpose or goal

Teleological ethical theory

Thinking about the end goal or purpose that persuades us whether we should take or not take a certain action

Consequentialism

an ethical theory that judges whether or not something is right by what it’s consequences are

Deontological

From Greek word meaning obligation or duty meaning deontological theories are concerned with the acts themselves irrespective of any consequences for example saying murder is wrong whatever the situation or consequence

Divine Command theory ( Theological Voluntarism )

It’s our duty to obey rules that are commanded by God and any acts that are forbidden by God are necessarily bad or wrong

Quote that supports that God created all things good, including the law

Genesis 1:31 - God saw everything that he had made and indeed it was very good

Quote that supports that God issued his law through scripture which clearly declare the moral code that is to be followed

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - all scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching for reproof correction… everyone that belongs to God … equipped for good work

DC as a requirement of Gods omnipotence

if God is all powerful then he is not subject to the power of morality and if his goodness was because of his obedience then it would mean there is a higher authority that is being followed so to understand God as omnipotent we must comprehend him to be the origin of both goodness and commands

Quote supports DCT is a requirement of God’s omnipotence

JAT Robinson - God gives us laws that come from heaven and are valid for human conduct and certain things are always wrong and nothing can make them right…

Who argues the Modified Divine Command theory

Robert Adams

Who is Robert Adams? A01

A philosopher who defends the intellectual respectability of the Christian faith and he developed the DCT and he is also a Presbyterian pastor

Adam’s key ideas

• Right and wrong are determined by God’s commands

• However he modifies it by saying that God is not arbitrary meaning random without reason but loving

• Therefore saying right and wrong are in line with the commands of a loving God

What are the challenges to the Divine Command Theory?

1. Euthyphro Dilemma

2. the arbitrariness problem

3. Different religions claim different Divine Commands

What does Baggini say about the arbitrariness problem?

“ the idea that God could just decree that all that we thought was evil was in fact good and vice versa seems to make a mockery of the seriousness of ethics. It makes right and wrong ultimately arbitrary”