Divine Morality: Commands and Character

From the study guide

Course Outline

  1. Divine Command Theory
  2. God and Morality
  3. Robert Adams' Theory
  4. Challenges to Divine Command
  5. Morality and Ethical Theories

1. Divine Command Theory

Key Concepts & Definitions

  • God as the origin of morality: The belief that moral principles and duties originate from God, who is the ultimate source of what is right and wrong.

  • Morality as obedience to God's commands: The view that moral rightness is determined by whether an action aligns with God's commands, emphasizing obedience to divine will.

  • Divine Command Theory (DCT) (general): The ethical view that moral standards are grounded in God's commands, and what is morally right is what God commands.

  • God as the regulator of moral laws: The idea that God not only originates morality but also governs and enforces moral laws, ensuring their authority and universality.

Essential Points

  • Divine Command Theory posits that morality is rooted in God's nature and commands, making God's will the foundation of all moral duties.

  • God as the origin of morality emphasizes that moral values depend entirely on God's existence and authority, rather than independent moral facts.

  • The theory asserts that morality as obedience to God's commands is essential; moral actions are right because they are commanded by God, and wrong because they are forbidden.

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Practice quiz preview

1. How does Robert Adams' modified Divine Command Theory differ from traditional Divine Command Theory in explaining the basis of God's commands?

2. According to Robert Adams' modified Divine Command Theory, what is the primary cause of moral standards?

3. What key feature distinguishes Robert Adams' modification of Divine Command Theory from traditional versions?

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Flashcard preview

Divine Command Theory β€” definition?

Morality based on God's commands.

God and morality β€” role?

God's nature and commands ground morality.

Robert Adams' Theory β€” key idea?

God's commands are grounded in His loving nature.

Challenges to Divine Command β€” example?

Euthyphro dilemma questions if morality is arbitrary.

Morality β€” alternative ethical theories?

Virtue ethics, ethical egoism, secular moral frameworks.

God's moral goodness β€” based on?

His nature and character.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Divine Morality: Commands and Character study guide cover?

It covers the core concepts of Divine Morality: Commands and Character, organized by topic with the key definitions, explanations and takeaways, so it's easier to learn and remember.

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How many questions are in the Divine Morality: Commands and Character quiz?

The practice quiz has 5 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation. Use it to check what you know and find your gaps.

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How do I study Divine Morality: Commands and Character with flashcards?

There are 10 flashcards on Divine Morality: Commands and Character, with a question on the front and the answer on the back. Try to recall each answer before you flip, and let spaced repetition bring back the ones you miss.

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