Divine Command Theory vs. Moral Relativism – Lecture Review

Flashcards cover definitions, contrasts with moral relativism, three alleged religion–morality connections, Euthyphro dilemma, arguments for and objections to Divine Command Theory.

What central question do both Moral Relativism and Divine Command Theory try to answer?

In virtue of what is a morally right act right and a morally wrong act wrong (i.e., where does morality come from?).

Under Moral Relativism, where does morality originate?

From us—either the individual or, most commonly discussed, from society as a collection of individuals.

According to Divine Command Theory (DCT), why is an act morally right?

Because God commands that we perform it.

According to DCT, why is an act morally wrong?

Because God commands that we refrain from performing it.

What is the primary source of morality under Divine Command Theory?

God’s commands.

How does DCT fundamentally differ from Moral Relativism regarding the source of morality?

DCT locates morality in God, whereas Moral Relativism locates it in human beliefs (individual or societal).

Why did the lecture focus on a capital-‘G’ single God when explaining DCT?

Most students are familiar with the monotheistic God of classical theism (shared by Judaism, Christianity, Islam), though DCT can also be stated polytheistically.

Name the three ways people claim morality allegedly depends on religion.

1) Motivation to act morally, 2) Knowledge of right and wrong, 3) Existence of right and wrong at all (DCT).

Way #1: What is claimed about motivation and religion?

Without religion we would lack the motivation to do what is right and avoid what is wrong.

Main objection to Way #1 (motivation)?

There are many non-religious motivators (e.g., fear of legal punishment, desire for social acceptance, empathy).

Way #2: What is claimed about moral knowledge and religion?

Without religion we could not know which acts are morally right or wrong.

One objection to Way #2 concerning moral knowledge?

We can acquire moral knowledge through non-religious means such as law, personal experience, or logical reflection; morality may logically precede religion.

Way #3: What does it state about morality without God?

Without God all acts would be morally neutral (no morality would exist).

Which classical dialogue introduces the dilemma that challenges DCT?

Plato’s Euthyphro.

State Euthyphro’s Dilemma in simple terms.

Is an act right because God commands it, or does God command it because it is right?

What theory holds that God commands acts because they are already morally right?

The Ethical Omniscience Theory.

Key difference between DCT and Ethical Omniscience Theory?

DCT says God’s commands create right/wrong; Ethical Omniscience says right/wrong exist independently and God merely knows and reports them.

Give one argument FOR Divine Command Theory that appeals to critics of Moral Relativism.

DCT avoids the main objections to relativism: it allows moral criticism of societies, does not reduce morality to opinion polls, and permits genuine moral progress.

How does DCT support the theological idea of God’s sovereignty?

By making morality something over which God has complete rule and control—He creates moral obligations through His commands.

Objection #1 to DCT regarding assaults: what does it highlight?

DCT makes wrongness depend solely on God’s command, ignoring the victim’s harm, which many see as part of what makes the act wrong.

Objection #2: What troubling implication about rape, murder, or genocide follows from DCT?

Before God commanded against them, these acts would have been morally neutral.

Objection #3: What if God had never forbidden rape, murder, or genocide, according to DCT?

They would not be morally wrong—a conclusion many find unacceptable.

Objection #4 (sometimes called the ‘Arbitrariness’ objection):

God could command anything— even rape or genocide— and thereby make it morally right, which seems implausible.

What does ‘logical priority’ mean in the lecture’s context?

The idea that one fact or concept (e.g., God’s command) must conceptually come before another (moral status) for the latter to obtain, independent of historical order.

Why is DCT considered an ‘objective’ rather than ‘relative’ moral theory?

Because moral truth depends on God’s commands, not on varying human opinions.

How does DCT allow moral criticism of another society that practices theft?

If God commands everyone not to steal, a society endorsing theft violates His command and can be objectively judged wrong.

What concept is illustrated by "Joe pushed Bob" vs. "Bob pushed Joe" when comparing DCT and Ethical Omniscience?

Same words can express different meanings; the theories differ despite similar vocabulary.

Why can moral progress exist under DCT but not under strict Moral Relativism?

Because DCT has a fixed standard (God’s commands) against which societies can improve or regress, whereas relativism ties standards to current societal beliefs.

In the lecture, why is the final word on DCT not established by these objections alone?

The course is introductory; deeper study includes further arguments, replies, and nuances beyond the initial objections.