In-Depth Notes on The Divine Command Theory

What is The Divine Command Theory?
  • The Divine Command Theory (DCT) posits that an action is morally right if it is commanded by God.
  • Key Figures:
    • John Locke (1632-1704) in "Essay Concerning Human Understanding" (1689) states that Divine Law serves as a true measure of moral action.
    • Robert C. Mortimer (1952) asserts that moral goodness is defined by the commands of God, establishing a real distinction between right and wrong independent of human perception.
A First Attempt to Formulate The Divine Command Theory
  • DCT Formula: An act, x, is morally right if and only if x is commanded by God.
  • Problem Encountered: Example of Sgt. Smith eating a donut questions if God commanded this act. If not, DCT implies his action is morally wrong.
  • Refined DCT Statement:
    1. An act that does not violate any of God’s commands is morally right.
    2. An act that violates God’s commands is NOT morally right (i.e., it is wrong).
Understanding DCT: DCT Applied
  • Consider an example where Uncle Midnight steals a car.
    • Question: Does this action violate any command from God?
    • Assuming God commanded against stealing, Uncle Midnight's action is viewed as morally wrong.
Clarificatory Questions
  • Core Questions for DCT:
    1. Does God exist?
    2. Has God commanded anything of humans?
    3. How do we understand God’s commands if they exist?
  • Example of God’s Commands: Consider the Ten Commandments as a representation of these divine commands.
Theoretical Considerations in Favour of DCT
  • Appealing Features of DCT:
    a. Aligns morality closely with religious beliefs and the existence of God.
    b. Allows a perspective of morality as a legal framework.
    c. Upholds the objectivity and universality of moral principles.
An Argument in Favour of DCT: The Argument from Reasons for Acting
  • Moral Rationalism (MR): If a person has a moral obligation to do x, they have a reason to do x.
  • Desire-Based Theory of Reasons (DBR): A person has a reason to do x only if it satisfies some desire.
  • Examples:
    • Consider a morally questionable figure like Caligula, who enjoys torturing others without empathy or repercussion.
Statement of the Argument from Reasons for Acting
  1. **Premises: **
    • P1: Caligula has a moral obligation not to torture.
    • P2: Caligula's obligation not to torture stands only if DCT is true.
Explanation of the Argument**
  • If Caligula has a moral obligation against torture:
    a. His moral obligation exists (by MR).
    b. He has a desire that torture would frustrate (by DBR).
    c. Due to his power and lack of empathy, only the enforcement by God makes this moral obligation feasible.
    d. Thus, his obligation relies on DCT being true.
Evaluation of the Argument
  • Potential Responses:
    • (R1) Reject Moral Rationalism (MR).
    • (R2) Reject Desire-Based Theory of Reasons (DBR).
    • (R3) Argue that God may enforce moral laws without being their creator.
Conclusion
  • DCT raises important philosophical and moral questions regarding the nature of morality and the role of divine authority, requiring critical evaluation of its claims and implications in real-world contexts.