1. The divine command theory
Higher RMPS
The divine command theory

2. Learning intentions After today’s lesson you will be able to:
explain the divine command theory
evaluate arguments for and against the divine command theory.

3. The divine command theory
The divine command theory is a guiding moral principle which states that something is right/wrong if God says so and should be obeyed because God commands it.
If God says you should do something you should do it.
This is a meta-ethical theory because it is concerned with why things are right and wrong.

4. Most religious people would argue that God is:
– all loving
– all powerful
– all good.
Therefore anything God commands must be obeyed because God is always right.

5. Some people believe that moral values are heteronomous.
The word hetero means different. (Heterosexual – someone who is attracted to someone of a different gender, Homosexual – someone who is attracted to someone of the same gender)
To believe that moral values are heteronomous means that moral values are decided by someone different, usually a greater being
like God. Heteronomous means that moral values are decided by what religions teach.

6. Learning check…
Explain the divine command theory in your own words. 2KU
Explain why the divine command theory is known as a
meta-ethical theory. 2KU
Give two reasons why a religious person might agree with the divine command theory. 4AE
Give two reasons why a religious person might disagree with
the divine command theory. 4AE
Give two reasons why a non-religious person might disagree
with the divine command theory. 4AE

7. Quick recap
The divine command theory is a guiding moral principle which states that something is right/wrong if God says so and should be obeyed because God commands it.