PHIL1011 Study Guide - Final Guide: Divine Command Theory, Theism, Moral Realism
23 May 2018
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PHIL1011 POSSIBLE EXAM QUESTIONS PREPARATION
ETHICS
What is the Euthyphro Problem? Should theists say that God is a good- maker or a
good-tracker? What is the biggest problem with the answer you’ve chosen? In your
view, what does the Euthyphro Problem show us about God and ethics?
• The Euthyphro problem is a widely held refutation of the Divine Command Theory
and is first formulated in Plato's dialogue 'Euthyphro' in which Socrates asks
Euthyphro 'Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it
is loved by the gods?' Essentially, the euthyphro problem is a philosophical dilemma
that examines whether actions are right because god commands them or whether God
commands right actions because they are right. So where - in relation to 'god' - do
morals originate from? What is goodness in the view of a god? What does this
suggest for theists?
• Both answers are highly problematic with consequences that both the divine
command theorist and theist cannot accept, leaving us with an indication that - whilst
religion still may be relevant to ethics - god isn't the whole answer.
• Option 1: They are good because god commands them
• Problem: The entire concept of goodness becomes vacuous and arbitrary. This
position relies on the premise
• Option 2: God commands them because they are right;
• Problem
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What is cultural relativism, and what is the best argument against it? What is moral
realism, and what is the best argument against it? In your opinion, which of the two is
more plausible? Justify your answer.
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What is Hume's theory of motivation, and how can it be used to give an
argument for non-cognitivism? What is Hume's notorious claim about the
rational status of our (ultimate) desires? In your view, is this claim plausible?
Why or why not?
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