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...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Mileo, Jesse K. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sciendo, De Gruyter 2023
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
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Description
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.
ISSN:2284-7308
Contains:Enthalten in: Perichoresis
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.2478/perc-2023-0004