The Euthyphro Dilemma Vs. The Divine Command Theory Two theories explaining moral behavior explored.
- Date: February 01, 2003
- Level: University, Bachelor's
- Grade: A+
- Length: 4 pages (1107 words)
- Essay rating:
- Keywords:
divine command theory, define pious, euthyphro, existence of god, supreme creator, socrates, ...moral actions, piety, morally, dilemma, dialogue, initially, challenges
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Subject > Humanities Essays > Philosophy > Comparative Philosophy & Ethics
The divine command theory is the idea that moral actions are those that conform to God's will. For example, murder is wrong because God condemns it. Using this theory, there is a test for determining whether any action is right or wrong: if it conforms to God's will, it is morally permissible, but if it does not, then it is impermissible. This seems very simple. However, the theory breaks down when the will of God is examined. This is the reason for theists to reject the divine command theory. It is not necessary for others who do not even believe in the existence of God to start down the divine command theory path. Wondering ...
... what is bad, right and wrong.
Since God is omnipotent, he could of created any number of worlds. He could have created a world where human beings were invulnerable. In a world such as that, of course, murder would not be wrong, since it wouldn't be possible to kill humans. However, in the world we live in, this is not true. Humans have bodies that can be damaged in various ways. Certain actions are detrimental to human survival, and can be considered "bad." Murder is definitely one of these actions. Since God could have created a world where humans could not be harmed, he, in a way, had control over
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