1. The idea of “Divine Command Theory” approach in Christian, Jews and Muslims.
In Christians, Jews and Muslims religions, Divine Command Theory suggests the idea of external moral guidance from God whose nature is believed to be beyond the boundaries of morality. Though this approach is not necessarily consequential, the concept of punishment for wrong deeds and rewards for good ones in the afterlife in these three religions reinforces the Divine Command Theory. This concept of punishment and reward enhances the power of the three religions as ethical systems guiding the lives of their believers. In this approach it is the will of God that must be obeyed in relation to ethical conduct and not the self interest of individuals. The believers of the three religions would often determine the will of God through their personal consciousness, guidance from figures of religious authority and from religious texts. Such ethical systems contribute to the concept of righteousness to illustrate those who abide by the rules of God.
2. How much importance do you think duty ought to have in relation to morality?
Duty should be a highly important factor in relation to morality of both and individual or group. Actions that are performed with respect to duty are considered morally good even if these actions may seem wrong when perceived objectively. Morality of an action should be a subjective affair that ought to be considered in relation to the circumstances surrounding it. It is due to this view that though killing is generally considered wrong, but a soldier fighting for his country has a moral duty to kill enemy soldiers while in combat. Respect to the law and societal norms is definition of duty which should determine the actions of individuals.
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3. Importance of consistency in rule nonconsequentialist theories compared to the inconsistency act nonconsequentialist.
Consistency in the moral system is important because it forms a foundation of stability in the ethics of a society. Ethical systems to be effective for societal order, should be objective in nature. Variety and inconsistency implied in act nonconsequentialist theory creates contradictions in the ethical system making it hard to judge whether an action is good or bad. Moral systems for both an individual should not be contradictory but standardized for proper judgement and decision making. Although the individuals who are supposed to be guided by the ethical system may be inconsistent in their abidance, the system itself should be consistent if it is to properly judge the actions of the individuals.
4. Opinion on the notion of moral absolutes in rule nonconsequentialist theories.
I agree with the notion of moral absolutes that are illustrated in rule nonconsequentialist theories should apply to a few universal laws that must be adhered to by everyone regardless of the circumstances. Actions like human cannibalism and fatal physical torture should not be violated regardless of the situation related to them. I believe we should adhere to these moral principles to create boundaries which should define our humanity. The reason behind is that in a world with diversity of ethical systems, for stability, peace and respect to exist, common boundaries that exist in all major ethical systems should be identified and observed.
5. Assess whether consideration of consequences can be safely eliminated from any moral system? Why do you think so?
I believe consideration of consequences does not have to be present in any moral system for it to be effective. The notion of abiding by certain rules because it is morally right to do so and not because there are consequences attached to it, should be the hallmark moral character for an individual. Though understandably consequences attached to moral systems reinforce adherence to moral rules it proposes, emphasis on these consequences will shift the focus from the rules to the consequences. Morality should be centered on the rules of right and wrong it proposes not on the repercussions of violation.
6. Do you believe that human beings are teleological, which means they have a purpose? Explain why or why not.
I believe human beings are teleological and exist with a specific collective purpose on earth from a higher intelligent being. Existence by nature alone does not support a deliberate purpose, deliberation present in our existence can only came from an intelligent design. The apparent observable order in the universe also suggest that there is a higher intelligent being that created that order. Our unique conscience, intelligence and abilities support this idea of collective purpose of our existence. This makes our existence as a species to be purposeful as every other phenomenon. I believe the purpose the purpose of human beings on earth is authoritatively to guide the order present on earth.
7. Do you believe that moderation is always a virtue? Should people always strive to reach the mean between two extremes? Why, or why not?
Moderation of extremes though often applauded by society, does not always translate to a virtuous act in my opinion. Moral standards, values and principles should be applied consistently and moderation tends to reduce their implication. In circumstances where the extremities will likely lead to more dire consequences like mass death for example, moderation should be considered. But this should not always be the case, since individuals and society should adhere to standard morals consistently for the moral system to be effective.
8. Are people born virtuous or groomed to be virtuous?
Virtues are the regular character traits that a person exhibits in their relation to the external world. Individuals are not inherently born with these character traits and they must be nurtured and groomed in a person through continuous practice. The reason for this is that, virtues such as honesty, loyalty and kindness are not present in all human beings and they are also not permanent in a person who possess them. A particular individual may be honest during their childhood but due to influence from peers in their youth, they become dishonest. The best way to teach people to be virtuous is to encourage them to practice the virtues and provide opportunities for them to frequently practice those virtues.
