PHLB09H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Divine Command Theory, Euthyphro Dilemma, General Idea
Document Summary
Divine command theory: first horn: god/a divine being commands people to do what is right, because the action is right, endorsed by some religions. Euthyphro dilemma: second horn: god"s (cid:272)o(cid:373)(cid:373)a(cid:374)d(cid:373)e(cid:374)ts, si(cid:373)pl(cid:455) as su(cid:272)h, (cid:272)(cid:396)eate (cid:373)o(cid:396)al (cid:396)e(cid:395)ui(cid:396)ements, difficulties, arbitrariness. Sep 7, 2017: either the commandments of a divine being are arbitrary, or morality exists independently of the will of the divine being, morality seems to have an independent status from the will of anyone/anything. Implications of the euthyphro dilemma: the euthyphro dilemma challenges a very specific claim (i. e. the will alone can create obligations) It does not refute some closely related ideas: we have reasons to follow the commandments of god, religion is important source of moral knowledge. The right course of conduct is to produce the best outcome: the (cid:862)(cid:271)est(cid:863) out(cid:272)o(cid:373)e is u(cid:374)de(cid:396)stood i(cid:374) te(cid:396)(cid:373)s of hu(cid:373)a(cid:374) welfa(cid:396)e, pleasu(cid:396)e, o(cid:396) happi(cid:374)ess. Utilitirianism the right act produces the best outcome.
