Exam 28: Religion and Ethics

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A follower of the divine command theory ...

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A) the notion is a relic of Kantian philosophy and should be abandoned.
B) it is a guiding ideal, but impossible to attain.
C) it is based in sinful human pride and, hence, is contrary to any valid ethics.
D) it is a reason why religious morality should be rejected.

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A) it makes it easier to do what is right.
B) it does justice to the sovereignty of God.
C) there is an objective, independent standard of right and wrong that both we and God follow.
D) it preserves the autonomy of ethics.

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A) the goal of happiness in the afterlife is the only reasonable motive for being virtuous.
B) justice demands that there be a God to reward moral virtue with happiness in the afterlife.
C) moral virtue inevitably brings happiness in this life and enables us to attain the afterlife.
D) moral virtue is unrelated to both happiness and the afterlife.

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A) Without religion no ethics is possible.
B) Religion assures us that good will win out over evil.
C) It gives us an added incentive to be moral.
D) God's love inspires people to profound altruism.

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The divine command theory is a moral theory that states that an action is morally right if God commands it, and morally wrong if God forbids it. For those who believe in God, the divine command theory may be attractive for several reasons. First, the divine command theory provides a clear and objective foundation for morality. By grounding moral principles in the commands of a perfect and all-powerful being, believers can have confidence that their moral obligations are not arbitrary or subjective, but are based on a higher, transcendent authority. Additionally, the divine command theory offers a sense of security and assurance. Believers may find comfort in the idea that God's commands provide a reliable guide for ethical decision-making, and that following these commands will lead to a life in accordance with God's will. However, the divine command theory also has its criticisms and problems. One major criticism is the Euthyphro dilemma, which questions whether God's commands are morally good because God commands them, or if God commands them because they are morally good. This dilemma raises concerns about the relationship between God and morality, and whether God's commands are arbitrary or based on some external standard of goodness. Another problem with the divine command theory is the potential for conflicting interpretations of God's commands. Different religious traditions and interpretations of scripture may lead to differing moral guidelines, causing confusion and disagreement about what actions are truly in line with God's will. Overall, while the divine command theory may offer a strong foundation for moral objectivity and guidance for believers, it also raises important philosophical and theological questions that challenge its coherence and applicability.

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William of Occam, a medieval philosopher, held the view that right and wrong are not determined by God's commands, but rather by reason and natural law. He believed that God's commands are consistent with what is inherently right and wrong, and that God himself is bound by these moral principles. This view is often referred to as Occam's Razor, which emphasizes simplicity and the natural order of things. Occam's view can be criticized on several grounds. Some may argue that it undermines the authority of religious teachings and the concept of divine command theory, which holds that moral obligations are derived from God's commands. Critics may also argue that Occam's view limits the power and sovereignty of God, as it suggests that God is bound by external moral principles. Additionally, some may contend that Occam's emphasis on reason and natural law may downplay the importance of faith and revelation in shaping moral beliefs. Overall, while Occam's view of the relationship between right and wrong and God's commands provides a rational and reasoned approach to morality, it may be criticized for its potential to undermine religious authority and the concept of divine command.

A) God commands only those actions that conform to the objective standards of goodness.
B) we can know what is morally good apart from God commands.
C) God could have commanded theft and adultery if he had wanted to.
D) "moral rightness" means the same as "what God wills" only in some cases.

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Bertrand Russell's view concerning the t...

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A) Does morality depend on religion?
B) Can we know if the gods exist?
C) What is the point of being moral?
D) Does God punish us when we do wrong?

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A) it is hard to discern God's will.
B) it merely duplicates what we could discover through reason alone.
C) its emphasis on rules makes it an infantile morality.
D) it commands us to be morally perfect, which is an unattainable goal.

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Patrick Nowell-Smith's view of the relat...

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A) there is no difference between them.
B) religious ethics concerns our duties to God and philosophical ethics concerns our duties to other persons.
C) they are in conflict with one another.
D) philosophical ethics is based on religious ethics.

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