NeKyla Johnson- Divine Command Ethics and Ethical Ego

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Fort Valley State University *

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1101.08

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Philosophy

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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2

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NeKyla Johnson Dr. Bumpus Ethics/Philosophy 12/4/2023 Strengths and Weaknesses of Divine Command Ethics Divine command ethics, moral theory based on the idea that morality is determined by divine authority, has both strengths and weaknesses in its approach to ethical decision making. One of the key strengths of divine command ethics is its ability to provide an objective moral foundation. Divine command ethics offer moral clarity by giving believers a set of specific guidelines derived from religious scriptures or teachings. This can simplify ethical decision- making for individuals who stick to a specific religious tradition. The belief that moral principles emerge from a divine source encourages a sense of moral accountability. Followers may be motivated to act morally not only out of fear of divine punishment, but also as a form of devotion and respect to a higher power. One major weakness of divine command ethics is that different religions often offer conflicting moral principles, leading to major ethical disagreements and challenges in determining a universally applicable moral code. Divine command ethics relies on translating religious texts or divine messages, which can be subjective and prone to diverse interpretations. This introduces the risk of misinterpretation and differing views on what composes moral behavior.
In conclusion, divine command ethics has the strengths of providing an objective moral foundation, moral clarity, and encouraging moral accountability. However, it has its weaknesses related to religious pluralism, and the interpretative nature of religious teachings. As individuals deal with these strengths and weaknesses, they must navigate the complexities of using divine command ethics in a world characterized by diverse religious beliefs and ethical perspectives.
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