Divine Command Theory

Divine Command Theory (DCT)

  • Basic Principle: Morality is determined by God's commands.

  • Obligatory Actions: An act is obligatory if God commands it.

  • Permissible Actions: An act is permissible if God does not forbid it.

  • Impermissible Actions: An act is impermissible if God forbids it.

Benefits of DCT

  • Provides moral objectivity.

  • Motivates adherence to moral principles.

The Euthyphro Problem

  • Key Question: Is conduct right because God commands it, or does God command it because it is right?

  • Implications: Examines whether moral truths are created by God or recognized by Him.

Concerns with DCT

  1. Mysterious conception of morality: What makes an act right?

  2. Arbitrariness of God's commands: All morality based on God's will can lead to contradictions.

  3. Misguided reasons for moral principles: E.g., acts like child abuse being wrong only because of divine command, not due to intrinsic harm.

Alternative Perspective

  • If rightness/wrongness exists independent of God, it challenges the theological basis of morality.

Challenges for Nonbelievers

  • Issues of morality in absence of belief in God.

  • Questions regarding the understanding and interpretation of God's moral commands.

Reading Assignments

  • Bentham’s An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation.

  • Mill’s Utilitarianism.