The Divine Command theory also known as Theological Voluntarism is a theory that holds the view that morality is dependent on the commands of God and that moral obligations mean obedience to God’s Word (Divine Command). In other words, for an action to be considered morally right, it must be in line with the commands of God or the character of God. The viewpoint of these commands is not static and as such is different from one religion to another. Philosophers hold different opinions on this theory; as a result, it has been defended by some and opposed by others. Philosophers such as Robert Adams and Thomas Aquinas support this theory while others, for example, Socrates, oppose this theory (Divine Command). The basis of this argument is that God is omnipotent that is, almighty or infinite in power (dictionary.com). Hence, his commands must be perfect, true and morally just.
There are universal moral rules that are outlined in this theory. These rules apply to all individuals and have maintained their relevance over time. There are many advantages to the Divine Command theory. First, the commands are objective in nature, that is; they are not based on personal beliefs or value systems. Rather, on divine principles from an omnipotent (almighty or infinite) god. Secondly, these laws are recorded and accessible to all and they can be interpreted by anyone. Important to note as well is that individuals who support this theory are cognizant of the ramifications that exist if the laws are disobeyed and likewise the rewards if they are followed.
A dialogue that ensued between Socrates and Euthyphro, recorded by Plato (Socrates pupil) provides the greatest argument against the Divine Command. In this dialogue Socrates was moved to question Euthyphro after learning, he was prosecuting his father for murder. Euthyphro believed he was morally right because his father’s action was impetuous. To understand why Euthyphro thought he was doing the just thing. Socrates asked, “is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?” (Plato) .The term pious relates to reverence towards religious beliefs or obligations. In other words, Socrates was asking if the gods commanded it because it is morally right or is it morally right because the gods said it is. This question has been the bone of contention for many theists who support the Divine Command theory.
Euthyphro argues that the pious is that which is loved by the gods. Socrates is unconvinced as he argues that not all the gods are in agreement. He asked Euthyphro “..And therefore, Euthyphro, in thus chastising your father you may very likely be doing what is agreeable to Zeus but disagreeable to Cronos or Uranus,”(Plato). In like manner, those who oppose the Divine Command today might argue that different religions interpret the law in a different way and as such what can be deemed as pious in one religion may not be seen the same in another. Hence the Command may not be universal.
Another issue Socrates found with this principle was he did not believe that because the gods deemed an action as morally wrong does not explain why it is morally wrong. Throughout his conversation with Euthyphro, he sought to learn what the basis of impiety was. In other words, what made an action impious?. Thus how could an individual determine how an action was morally wrong? Socrates understood from Euthyphro reasoning that the just thing to do involved being reverend to the gods. Socrates did not believe reverence and fear always went hand in hand and argued that the gods did not benefit from mans reverence to them. The principle behind this thought is that man obeys the Divine Command to show reverence to God and God, in turn, rewards a man for his obedience. Recent opposers of the Divine Command theory argue that an action is not morally right if one does it out of fear or in the hopes of a reward.
Another underlying argument presented in Euthyphro dilemma is that if morally good acts are willed by God because they are morally good, then it suggests that the commands are independent of god’s will. In other words, God has merely discovered morality and did not create it. Thus, there is no need to be reverent to God as the Divine Command theory would also apply to God. Important to note as well, is the belief that the Divine Command theory is somewhat arbitrary, for instance, one might argue that if God commanded humans to be hateful, merciless and cruel individuals would be morally obligated to do so. The reverse then holds that actions such as kindness, fairness and so on would be morally unjust. Hereby implying that, the Divine Command theory is based on the mere ‘whims’ of God.
Socrates sought to understand what impiety was this can be likened to the will of God. To fully understand and follow the Divine Command one must know the will of God or the requirements of the Command. Many religions do not have a clearly outlined rule book showing their deities will/expectations on every situation. As such opposers may claim that one can never be sure if a person, including oneself, who claims to know God's will does know, or is lying or mistaken. This is the concern Socrates had with Euthyphro as he asked him how he was so sure that what he was doing was the just or moral thing to do.
In my opinion, Socrates was wrong to disregard the Divine Command theory. For one the Divine Command theory outlines universal principles, which outline morally God acts. These acts include do not commit murder, do not steal and so on. This also addresses the issue of knowing god’s will, as stated by Socrates. The Divine Command Theory outlines the definition of good and bad. Disregarding the Divine Command theory also questions the omnipotence and Omnibenevolence (infinitely good) of God. Arguments against this theory suggest that if God commanded that murder was morally right then, it would be so. However, reverence and belief in God explains to us that God is incapable of such actions and knowledge of his will teaches out that such actions are uncharacteristic of God.
I am of the view that Socrates struggled to believe the concept of the Divine Command theory because of his views on the gods. He did not fully have faith and reverence in the Greek gods. On his trial recorded by Plato; ‘the Apology’ Socrates had stated that he was on a mission to prove to a God that he was not the wisest man, and one of his charges was impiety. Proving that he did not believe in the Gods, as far as belief in God goes; reverence, obedience and so on. In like manner today Atheist oppose this theory because they do not believe in the presence of God.
Undoubtedly the Divine Command theory stands as the best moral and ethical framework for individuals to follow because the laws are universal, it originates from a perfect being, and its relevance is timeless.
Works cited
Austin, Michael “Divine Command Theory”, Internet Encyclopedia of Psychology. nd. Web 23 June 2016
“Omnipotent” Dictionary.com,2016. Web 23 June 2016
Plato.“ Euthyphro”. Trans. B. Jowett. The Internet Classics Archive. 1998-2009. Web. 23 June 2016.
