Divine Command Theory: Ethics Rooted in God's Commands

Question 1

According to the Divine Command Theory, who determines what is morally right and wrong?

Accepted Answer

God

Answer

The government

Answer

Individual conscience

Answer

Religious leaders

Question 2

Rewritten Question: According to the Divine Command Theory, what is the essential characteristic of a morally virtuous action?

Accepted Answer

It is commanded by God.

Answer

It produces the greatest possible happiness.

Answer

It aligns with the dictates of reason.

Answer

It is in accordance with natural law.

Question 3

Rewritten Question: Which objection to the Divine Command Theory highlights its potential for circularity?

Accepted Answer

Euthyphro Dilemma

Answer

Problem of Evil

Answer

Moral Autonomy Objection

Answer

Divine Hiddenness Objection

Question 4

Rewritten Question: How does the 'Euthyphro Dilemma' impact the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrates that the theory cannot provide a non-circular explanation of morality.

Answer

It shows that the theory relies on a false dichotomy between good and evil.

Answer

It proves that God's commands are arbitrary and capricious.

Answer

It argues that the theory is incompatible with human freedom.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

The theory is untestable

Answer

Moral arbitrariness

Answer

Logical circularity

Answer

Lack of moral autonomy

Question 6

Which of the following is a central tenet of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Moral obligations arise from the commands of a divine being.

Answer

Moral actions are those that maximize happiness.

Answer

Ethics is an objective and universal system of principles.

Answer

The ultimate goal of human existence is the pursuit of knowledge.

Question 7

According to the Divine Command Theory, what is the ultimate source of moral authority?

Accepted Answer

Divine commands

Answer

Human reason and conscience

Answer

Social conventions

Answer

The state

Question 8

Which philosopher is associated with the development of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

William Paley

Answer

Plato

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 9

How does the Divine Command Theory compare to Kantian ethics?

Accepted Answer

Both theories base morality on absolute principles, but the Divine Command Theory relies on external authority while Kantian ethics emphasizes internal principles.

Answer

The Divine Command Theory is more concerned with consequences of actions, while Kantian ethics focuses on intentions.

Answer

The Divine Command Theory is relativistic, while Kantian ethics is universal.

Answer

The Divine Command Theory is incompatible with Kantian ethics.

Question 10

In what way does the Divine Command Theory contribute to the philosophical discussion on the nature of morality?

Accepted Answer

It highlights the role of external authority in shaping moral beliefs and challenges the idea that morality is objective and universal.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive explanation for all moral phenomena.

Answer

It demonstrates the importance of reason and logic in ethical decision-making.

Question 11

In the Divine Command Theory, what is the ultimate source of moral duties?

Accepted Answer

Divine commands

Answer

Human intellect and logic

Answer

Social and cultural norms

Answer

Moral instincts and emotions

Question 12

According to the central tenet of the Divine Command Theory, from where do moral obligations originate?

Accepted Answer

The commands of a divine being

Answer

Human reason

Answer

Consensus among individuals

Answer

Traditional practices and customs

Question 13

Distinguish between a universal moral law and a particular moral obligation. Explain how they differ.

Accepted Answer

Universal laws apply to all individuals, while particular obligations vary depending on specific circumstances.

Answer

Universal laws are derived from reason, while particular obligations are based on cultural traditions.

Answer

Universal laws are absolute and unbreakable, whereas particular obligations can be broken.

Answer

Particular obligations hold more importance than universal laws.

Question 14

Which philosopher is considered a prominent proponent of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Saint Augustine

Answer

Plato

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 15

Explain how the Divine Command Theory interacts with the concept of divine revelation. Describe their relationship.

Accepted Answer

Divine revelation is essential for transmitting God's commands.

Answer

Divine revelation is incompatible with the Divine Command Theory.

Answer

The Divine Command Theory suggests that divine revelation is impossible.

Answer

The Divine Command Theory exists independently of divine revelation.

Question 16

Discuss a common criticism directed at the Divine Command Theory's depiction of God. Identify the nature of this criticism.

Accepted Answer

It portrays God as arbitrary and unpredictable.

Answer

It undermines the importance of human autonomy.

Answer

It is based on a flawed understanding of authority.

Answer

It inevitably leads to moral relativism.

Question 17

Explain how the Divine Command Theory can be applied to real-world ethical dilemmas. Describe its practical implications in ethical decision-making.

Accepted Answer

It can assist in identifying the underlying moral principles.

Answer

It provides clear and specific guidance for all ethical situations.

Answer

It should not be used in ethical decision-making.

Answer

It is only applicable to individuals who adhere to a specific religion.

Question 18

According to the Divine Command Theory, the ultimate source of moral obligations is:

Accepted Answer

Divine commands

Answer

Human reason

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Natural law

Question 19

A key ethical implication of the Divine Command Theory is that:

Accepted Answer

Morality is objective and immutable.

Answer

Moral judgments are subjective and personal.

Answer

Ethical duties are derived from social conventions.

Answer

There is no universal standard of right or wrong.

Question 20

The primary proponent of the Divine Command Theory is:

Accepted Answer

Augustine of Hippo

Answer

Plato

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 21

The main criticism leveled against the Divine Command Theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Is circular in its reasoning.

Answer

Conflicts with scientific knowledge.

Answer

Is incompatible with free will.

Answer

Has no practical relevance in daily life.

Question 22

The Divine Command Theory addresses the issue of moral diversity among different cultures by asserting that:

Accepted Answer

There is only one true morality, as commanded by God.

Answer

Moral values are culturally relative.

Answer

All moral values are equally valid.

Answer

The issue of cultural diversity is irrelevant to the theory.

Question 23

The Divine Command Theory differs from the Natural Law Theory in that it:

Accepted Answer

Prioritizes the will of God.

Answer

Derives moral principles from human reason.

Answer

Focuses on the consequences of actions.

Answer

Rejects the concept of absolute moral truths.

Question 24

The Euthyphro dilemma challenges the Divine Command Theory by questioning whether:

Accepted Answer

God's commands are inherently good.

Answer

Divine commands are rational.

Answer

Moral obligations are independent of divine will.

Answer

The Divine Command Theory is logically consistent.

Question 25

According to the Divine Command Theory, what is the ultimate source of the objectivity of moral values?

Accepted Answer

God's unchanging nature

Answer

Personal experiences

Answer

Logical reasoning

Answer

Cultural consensus

Question 26

According to the Divine Command Theory, what exclusively determines whether an action is morally right or wrong?

Accepted Answer

Following God's commands

Answer

Human logic

Answer

The consequences of the action

Answer

Conforming to social standards

Question 27

According to the Divine Command Theory, what is the primary source of moral obligation?

Accepted Answer

Divine commands

Answer

Human reason

Answer

Cultural norms

Answer

Personal preferences

Question 28

Which of the following is a potential ethical implication of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Objective and absolute moral standards

Answer

Relative and subjective moral values

Answer

Moral obligations that can change over time

Answer

The impossibility of resolving moral dilemmas

Question 29

What is a key assumption underlying the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

The existence of God

Answer

The inherent goodness of human nature

Answer

The importance of following societal customs

Answer

The subjectivity of moral truths

Question 30

Which objection to the Divine Command Theory highlights the potential for circular reasoning?

Accepted Answer

It relies on circular logic

Answer

It assumes the existence of God

Answer

It cannot account for moral pluralism

Answer

It is too simplistic

Question 31

What is a central question raised by the Euthyphro dilemma in relation to the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Whether actions are good because God commands them or vice versa

Answer

How to reconcile the existence of evil with a benevolent God

Answer

What the necessary conditions for moral responsibility are

Answer

How religious beliefs influence moral decision-making

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Focus on the consequences of actions

Answer

Emphasis on divine revelation

Answer

Rejection of innate moral principles

Answer

Acceptance of objective moral values

Question 33

Can the Divine Command Theory justify actions that are considered immoral from a secular perspective?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if God explicitly commands it

Answer

No, morality is independent of divine will

Answer

Only in certain exceptional circumstances

Answer

Never, under any circumstances

Question 34

Who is credited with developing and articulating the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Answer

Socrates

Answer

Plato

Answer

Aristotle

Question 35

According to the Divine Command Theory, how do divine commands interact with human free will?

Accepted Answer

Divine commands guide human free will, helping individuals make moral choices.

Answer

Divine commands eliminate free will, making humans mere puppets of God's will.

Answer

Free will is irrelevant to the Divine Command Theory, as morality is solely defined by God's commands.

Answer

Free will is incompatible with the Divine Command Theory, as it challenges the authority of God's commands.

Question 36

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Moral obligations are derived directly from the commands of God.

Answer

Morality is based exclusively on human reason.

Answer

Ethics are determined solely by cultural norms.

Answer

Moral principles are entirely subjective and relative.

Question 37

According to the Divine Command Theory, if God commands something that is generally considered morally reprehensible, such as murder, does it become morally acceptable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because God's commands are considered the ultimate authority.

Answer

No, because morality is independent of God's commands.

Answer

It depends on the specific circumstances and context.

Question 38

One of the main criticisms of the Divine Command Theory is that it can lead to:

Accepted Answer

Moral absolutism, where certain actions are considered universally right or wrong regardless of context.

Answer

Moral relativism, where morality is entirely dependent on individual or cultural beliefs.

Answer

Ethical skepticism, where it becomes impossible to determine what is truly moral or immoral.

Question 39

A key distinction between the Divine Command Theory and secular ethical theories lies in the:

Accepted Answer

Source of moral obligations, with the Divine Command Theory attributing them to God's commands.

Answer

Role of reason in ethical decision-making, as both theories emphasize its importance.

Answer

Nature of moral principles, which both theories view as objective and universal.

Answer

Consequences of moral actions, which both theories consider in their ethical evaluations.

Question 40

The Divine Command Theory holds that moral obligations are:

Accepted Answer

Objective and apply universally to all rational beings, regardless of their beliefs or circumstances.

Answer

Subjective and depend on individual preferences and experiences.

Answer

Determined by cultural norms and vary across societies.

Answer

Dependent on the situation and can change based on context.

Question 41

According to the Divine Command Theory, the ultimate basis for moral authority rests with:

Accepted Answer

God

Answer

Human reason

Answer

Majority consensus

Answer

Natural law

Question 42

The Divine Command Theory has played a significant role in the development of:

Accepted Answer

Moral philosophy, providing a framework for understanding the nature and basis of moral obligations.

Answer

Psychology, shaping theories of human behavior and motivation.

Answer

Modern political theory, influencing concepts of authority and legitimacy.

Answer

Economics, contributing to theories of value and ethical decision-making.

Question 43

Which of the following is a central principle of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Moral duties originate from the commands of God.

Answer

Morality is determined exclusively by cultural norms.

Answer

Ethical principles are derived solely from human conscience.

Answer

Moral values are entirely subjective and personal.

Question 44

According to the Divine Command Theory, what is the ultimate authority in determining moral right and wrong?

Accepted Answer

God

Answer

Human consensus

Answer

Reason

Question 45

Which criticism raised against the Divine Command Theory highlights a potential weakness?

Accepted Answer

It renders morality arbitrary and dependent on God's will.

Answer

It is fully consistent with scientific evidence.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive and objective foundation for ethics.

Question 46

How does the Divine Command Theory differ from the Natural Law Theory in terms of the basis for moral principles?

Accepted Answer

The Divine Command Theory bases morality on God's commands, while the Natural Law Theory grounds it in human nature.

Answer

The Divine Command Theory emphasizes divine authority, while the Natural Law Theory prioritizes secular reasoning.

Answer

Both theories derive ethical principles from external sources.

Question 47

Which contemporary application exemplifies the influence of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Religious ethical guidance and decision-making.

Answer

Scientific research and technological innovation.

Answer

Artistic expression and cultural production.

Answer

Secular political and social policy formation.

Question 48

How does the Divine Command Theory account for the existence of diverse moral beliefs and practices across cultures?

Accepted Answer

It acknowledges moral diversity but does not fully explain its origins.

Answer

It suggests that cultural differences in morality reflect the varying interpretations of God's will.

Answer

It posits that God's commands are universally applicable across all cultures.

Question 49

Which of the following is a potential ethical implication of the Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

Moral obligations are considered absolute and non-negotiable.

Answer

Ethical decisions should always prioritize personal happiness over divine commands.

Answer

Moral principles can be revised and updated based on human reason alone.

Answer

Morality is entirely subjective and relative to personal preferences.

Question 50

The core principle of the Divine Command Theory is that:

Accepted Answer

Moral rightness is determined by God's commands.

Answer

God commands actions because they are inherently right.

Answer

Moral rightness is determined by human reason alone.

Question 51

According to Divine Command Theory, if God commanded people to harm one another, would such an action be considered morally permissible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because the theory holds that anything commanded by God is intrinsically right.

Answer

The answer depends on how individuals interpret God's commands.

Answer

No, because harming others is inherently wrong regardless of divine commands.

Question 52

The Euthyphro Dilemma primarily challenges Divine Command Theory by raising the question of whether:

Accepted Answer

Actions are right because God commands them or whether God commands them because they are inherently right.

Answer

God exists and religious experiences are valid.

Answer

Morality can exist in secular societies where not everyone believes in God.

Question 53

A common criticism of Divine Command Theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Makes morality arbitrary, as God could potentially command anything.

Answer

Provides a clear and objective foundation for ethical decision-making.

Answer

Promotes tolerance and understanding between people of different faiths.

Question 54

Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates a potential conflict arising from the application of Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

A doctor refusing to perform an abortion due to religious beliefs, even if it is legal and the patient's life is at risk.

Answer

A student choosing to volunteer at a homeless shelter because they believe it is the right thing to do.

Question 55

How is Divine Command Theory related to religious fundamentalism?

Accepted Answer

Religious fundamentalism often employs Divine Command Theory to justify adherence to strict religious laws.

Answer

Religious fundamentalism rejects Divine Command Theory in favor of a more secular ethical framework.

Question 56

Proponents of Divine Command Theory may argue that God's commands are not arbitrary because:

Accepted Answer

They reflect God's unchanging, perfectly good nature.

Answer

They are revealed through personal intuition and subjective experiences.

Answer

They are open to interpretation and can change depending on the situation.

Question 57

Divine Command Theory faces challenges in a pluralistic society primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Different religions have different conceptions of God and moral duties.

Answer

People are generally more accepting of diverse viewpoints in modern society.

Answer

Secular ethics provide a more comprehensive framework for moral decision-making.