An Exploration of Metaphysical Grounding and Divine Command Theory
The concept of metaphysical grounding refers to a dependence relation—a relation between facts that is asymmetrical and non-causal. I aim to apply this concept to a Divine Command Theory (DCT) of moral obligations. Divine command theorists say that moral obligations arise from God’s commands. I argu...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
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Published: |
Sciendo, De Gruyter
2023
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In: |
Perichoresis
Year: 2023, Volume: 21, Issue: 1, Pages: 52-69 |
RelBib Classification: | AB Philosophy of religion; criticism of religion; atheism NBC Doctrine of God NCA Ethics VA Philosophy |
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Volltext (kostenfrei) |
Summary: | The concept of metaphysical grounding refers to a dependence relation—a relation between facts that is asymmetrical and non-causal. I aim to apply this concept to a Divine Command Theory (DCT) of moral obligations. Divine command theorists say that moral obligations arise from God’s commands. I argue that the three main views on the relation between the divine command and the obligation—causal, supervenience, and identity—do not capture all that we desire in a moral theory of obligations. After attempting to clarify metaphysical grounding in general, I articulate the distinction between what I call normative grounding and metaethical grounding. I then use this distinction to criticize Walter Sinnott-Armstrong’s discussion of DCT and to highlight the compatibility of DCT with other ethical theories. |
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ISSN: | 2284-7308 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: Perichoresis
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Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.2478/perc-2023-0004 |