Plato s The Divine Command Theory - 1768 Words

In his work Euthyphro, Plato introduces a religiously based moral code. This code, the divine command theory, stresses the pleasing of god in one’s moral actions. Plato’s characters, Euthyphro and Socrates, take turns in a debate defending and criticizing this theory. Its flawed nature is uncovered and we as readers are able to notice its advantages and disadvantages. Using these criticisms, revisions to the divine command theory have been made. After analyzing the divine command theory and noting both its advantages and its critiques, I largely agree with the criticisms that are made about it. However, with certain revisions, it can be transformed into a reliable and successful philosophy. The divine command theory is composed of two maxims. First, it is right for an agent to do x. Second, God commands the agent to do x. Thus, God commands what is right for the agent to do. These statements are logically equivalent, as they together can only be either true or false. Th e second statement must also precede the first in order for the overall theory to make sense. For example, if God commands a man to love his neighbor as himself, then it is right for that man to do so. He cannot act on a command that is morally right if that command is not given to him. This idea of the divine command theory is presented by Plato in his Euthyphro. One of the main characters, Euthyphro, is prosecuting his father for killing a servant. Socrates, his philosophical counterpart, observes this actShow MoreRelatedDivine Command Theory : An Ethical Theory828 Words   |  4 PagesDivine command theory is an ethical theory (metaethics) which asserts that an actions place as morally good, is corresponding to whether or not it is commanded by God. The theory states, roughly, that â€Å"The view that morality is somehow dependent upon God, and that moral obligation consists in obedience to God’s commands. Divine Command Theory includes the claim that morality is ultima tely based on the commands or character of God, and that the morally right action is the one that God commands orRead MoreThe Divine Command Theory : Capital Punishment And Abortion Essay1128 Words   |  5 PagesThe Divine Command Theory is the assertion in ethics that an action is morally right if, and only if, it conforms to God’s will. This premise ties together morality and religion in a manner that seems expected, since it provides a solution to arguments about moral relativism and the objectivity of ethics. On the other hand, in Plato’s Euthyphro, Socrates questions whether something is right because God commands it, or whether God commands it because it is right. The ethical implications of theRead MoreThe Text Euthyphro By Plato990 Words   |  4 PagesEuthyphro by Plato is concisely a dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro. Socrates confronts Euthyphro when he argues The point which I should first wish to understand is whether the pious or holy is block ed by the gods because it is holy, or because it is blocked by the gods (cf. pg. 31); 10a. This refers back to the Devine Command Theory and civil religion. Civil Religion is defined as a mixture between religion and cultural relativism. Civil Religion is an alternative version of  the Divine CommandRead MoreThe Divine Command Theorist Approach1335 Words   |  6 PagesMaking decisions can be easy at times when it does not require much thought; however, it can be complicated, especially when it involves people s lives. If, for instance, there is a boat holding seventy-five people but it should only hold fifty in order to ensure the safety of the passengers and lessen the risk of the boat sinking, who will be asked to leave the boat? There are also one hundred individuals in the water whose lives must be considered; what can be done in a tight situation such asRead MoreThe Ethical Theories Of Philosophy Essay2014 Words   |  9 PagesSurname 9 Name: Instructor s name: Course: 13 April 2016 ETHICAL THEORIES IN PHILOSOPHY Section one: Introduction Part of being human is the ability to distinguish good from bad and vice versa (Rachels 9). Human nature is a ground for practical and moral norms that is; morality directs us to real human fulfilment. Great thinkers have formulated and developed a significant number of enduring moral principles over the centuries. Philosophy, like other social fields and also like individualsRead MoreThe Republic By Plato And The Prince By Machiavelli1617 Words   |  7 PagesAlthough written nearly two centuries apart, The Republic by Plato and The Prince by Machiavelli offer important views on political philosophies of rulers. Plato writes of a perfect society where status as ruler is naturally selected through innate abilities. These abilities are used to sustain the society, better it, and preserve it. Machiavelli writes of a society where anyone can be a prince; which for our purposes is a synonym for ruler, if they follow his instructions. These instructions areRead MoreEssay on Deontologial Theory1295 Words   |  6 PagesETHICS Deontological Theory Historically ethics was studied from a philosophical aspect and viewed as the science of morals. Ethics had been defined as the principles of moral conduct that govern our behavior. Our ethical behavior is developed from various factors, to include our environment, family and beliefs. The origins of ethics can be traced back to the fifth century, BC ( Banner, 1968, pg.67). Plato, Socrates and Aristotle are among the early teachers of ethics. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;TheseRead MoreIn PlatoS Euthyphro, Socrates And Euthyphro Discuss The1734 Words   |  7 PagesIn Plato s Euthyphro, Socrates and Euthyphro discuss the nature of piety. Euthyphro first proposed that piety is that which the gods love. His proposal was quickly objected by Socrates though, since the gods often disputed amongst themselves and therefore what one loves can be what another hates. Euthyphro then revised his hypothesis to say that piety is that which the gods love unanimously and for the moment this was their conclusion. This definition however, that piety is what the gods love unanimouslyRead More The Concept of Tyranny in Literature Essay1329 Words   |  6 Pagesend, Locke has the most effective ideas as opposed to Plato and Hobbes. Although, they are all equally great minds, based on the democracy that Americans hold true, Locke’s analysis can be the only logical means of proposed prevention. The first author, who takes particular concern with the concept of tyranny, is Plato in his work the The Republic. He perceives tyranny as a â€Å"dictatorship and the dictatorial man† (Porter 84) that â€Å"evolve[s] from democracy† (Porter 84). Circumstances that appearRead MoreThe Philosophy Of Philosophy And Philosophy1451 Words   |  6 Pagestheir self centeredness in order to desire what is superior to oneself, this city can not reach virtue. The question then becomes, â€Å"What is the origin of this default wiring?† In order to understand the answer Augustine would give, one must know his theory on the creation of the world. Augustine proposed that God’s nature is overflowing. He said that that overflow became the world. In the overflow, there is a hierarchy of creation. The dominate being God, the creator, and right below him are humans