Question 1
Divine command theory is based on the morality view that God is involved and depended on and that there is a moral obligation in obeying God's command. The theory defines morality as anchored on God's authority and character. Further, the theory states that a morally right action is one that God requires or even commands (Quinn, 2013). The content of the various divine powers is different according to the specific views and a particular religion. However, all the theories’ versions are similar to the claim concerning moral obligations and the dependence on God. The discussion comes up when Socrates was having a conversation at the Athenian court when Euthyphro was headed to bring a murder charge against his father. On the other hand, Socrates has an impiety charge.
The Euthyphro question, therefore, was, “is something pious because the gods love it, or do the gods love it because it is pious?” (Plato, 2015). One has to believe that the existence of God is essential because the level of morality is much for humans to shoulder. One feels that God helps one satisfy the moral law. With knowledge of the existence of God, then one can have a good life. Hence, the level of morality requires one’s faith in God. Therefore, Rachels question on (a) is not true, and I object since one has their minds to determine whether an action is right or not. We first have to judge by ourselves then know later what if what I do is not correct? People have to act according to how they wish. Being good or evil is one’s decision. Self-interest actions in one's perspective have a good ending. The self-interest is based on the profound significance of a theistic framework. For instance, having morals such as self-sacrifice for others and being pious are acts that God approves. Therefore, Rachels question on (b) is right. For both (a) and (b), Rachels means that, for any action to be considered right or even wrong, it has God's command in it ultimately. Rachels has a good argument concerning the Divine Command Theory on (b) alone and fails on (a).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Question 2
Arguments for utilitarianism
Utilitarianism derives pain and pleasure for specific actions. It recommends actions that bring pleasure when one has acquired happiness through action and that the action has reduced pain. It is a matter of self-sacrifice for one’s happiness (Smart & Williams, 1973). For instance, if an action is considered intrinsically good, then it is deemed to be correct as long as the outcome is of minimal pain. Utilitarians argue that any person's health is excellent when one feels good and derives pleasure. When unhealthy, then one feels terrible.
Arguments against utilitarianism
One of the setbacks on utilitarianism is which concerns how one measures the happiness levels, and the decision one makes on an action that would generate greater happiness to an individual (Smart & Williams, 1973). Secondly, there are questions on how one checks on others who may be involved and would face the impact of an action. Also, a utilitarian is not able to judge the wrongness or their rightness in doing some actions, but the results would tell what their actions imply. Additionally, there is an issue on autonomy factor that means one’s life is under control in a society that promotes greater happiness. One’s autonomy is better than increased happiness levels.
Question 3
Utilitarianism is considered an ethical theory that is based on the promotion of right actions rather than the evil deeds and which admits precise formulations and its adherents. Utilitarianism is based on the actual outcome. On the contrary, the divine command theory is subject to decisive objections that is based on the action one does. Secondly, utilitarians state that an act is considered obligatory if the utility it provides is more excellent and wrong when it is less while divine command theory, the action is deemed to be essential when God commands the act and wrong if God forbids it. According to my opinion, divine command theory is better as it does not approve happiness regarding one's autonomy.
The reason for such an answer is based on Euthyphro’s question with Socrates on what is right and understanding of piety (McPherran, 1985). Socrates states that it is right to do good to others because it is morally right.
References
McPherran, M. L. (1985). Socratic piety in the Euthyphro. Journal of the History of Philosophy, 23(3), 283-309.
Plato, P. (2015). Euthyphro. eKitap Projesi & Cheapest Books.
Quinn, P. L. (2013). Divine command theory. The Blackwell guide to ethical theory, 81-102.
Smart, J. J. C., & Williams, B. (1973). Utilitarianism: For and against. Cambridge University Press.
