1A divine command theory

what is step one of DCT

god is the origin and moderator of morality

how is morality decided

moral goodness is derived from 10 commandments or from the will of the divine
morally right = god commands it
morally wrong = god forbids it

what type of theory is DCT

absolutist meta-ethics
deontological - duty based

why is god the creator of morality

god created the heaven and the earths out of nothing so his also therefore the creator of morality

what is step 2 of DCT

right and wrong as objective truths based on gods will

what does Immanuel Kant say about morality

we must rely on god for morality as humans are incapable of making this distinction between right and wrong
being moral doesn't guarantee happiness so we must believe in the end god will reward those morally righteous

why do many people base moral decisions on happiness

it is easier - linked to Bentham util - greatest happiness for greatest number

why must right/wrong be objective truths

meta-physical foundation for all morality
if the universe was created non-moral then it questions the origins of such moral properties

what biblical evidence supports DCT

ten commandments
love thy neighbour
do unto others

what is step 3 of DCT

moral goodness is achieved by complying with gods commands

why do we follows gods command

love and fear

why should we follow gods commands and be moral

for eschatological gains and to be rewarded in the afterlife
we have a duty to obey in respect of gods creation
we are powerless to do anything different

a biblical example that shows reward for following gods command

abrahamic convenant

what is step 4 of DCT

DCT as a requirement of gods omnipotence

how does DCT show gods omnipotent

remove gods power and there is not DCT, remove DCT and there is no power - logical link

who theorised the euthyphro dilemma

plato

what point does socrates make

is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious or is it pious because it is loved by the gods
pious = good

apply socrates question to DCT

does command it because it is morally right or is it morally right because god commands it

what is the first horn

'x' is good because god commands it
god determines goodness

problems of the first horn

biblical inconsistencies in god commands
morality basis becomes based on the whim of god therefore arbitrary

positives of the first horn

god is the creator of morality and omnipotence

what is the second horn

god commands 'x' because it is good
x is good independent of god

problems with the second horn

means god didn't create morality therefore he cannot control it
loses his omnipotence
becomes a messenger

positives of the second horn

no chance of morality changing - solid foundation