The Divine Command Theory Of Ethical Argument

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In the field of ethics, there are many theories that explain how individuals can reach an ethical conclusion through a logical argument. In the following essay, one of the most ancient theories of ethics, the Divine Command Theory, will be described, analyzed accordingly with its strengths and weakness and logically evaluated. According to Rachels (2015a), a recognized American philosopher, the Divine Command Theory argues that anything that God orders is ethical and anything that God outlaws is unethical. This theory is based on the belief that only through God’s commands, individuals can define morality. Nonetheless, as any ethical theory, there needs to be further analysis to determine its strengths and weaknesses and if this theory is based on a sound, and cogent argument. One of the most relevant strengths of the …show more content…

Nonetheless, as the problem of objectivity is solved, many others are developed. Although the Divine Command Theory is one of the most ancient approaches in ethics, it does not mean that encompasses a sound and cogent argument. In accordance with Rachels (2015), a sound argument will need to convey two postulations that are both valid, when the two premises that lead to the conclusion are followed logically, and true. When analyzing the Divine Command Theory, it is logical to say that this theory does not rely on a sound and cogent argument for the following reasons: the vague source of morality (the Euthyphro dilemma), and the promotion of dictatorial, ethical conclusions without logical and sound arguments, the exclusions of those who do not believe in God and the questionable venues

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