<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>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.</p>
</abstract>

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.

An Exploration of Metaphysical Grounding and Divine Command Theory

Perichoresis

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

{"article-title":"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...

An Exploration of Metaphysical Grounding and Divine Command Theory

Published Online: Feb 27, 2023

Page range: 52 - 69

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/perc-2023-0004

Keywords
Metaphysical Grounding, Divine Command Theory, Moral Obligation, Dependence, Relation

© 2023 Jesse Mileo, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

An Exploration of Metaphysical Grounding and Divine Command Theory

Published Online: Feb 27, 2023

Page range: 52 - 69

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/perc-2023-0004

KeywordsMetaphysical Grounding, Divine Command Theory, Moral Obligation, Dependence, Relation

© 2023 Jesse Mileo, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Metaphysical Grounding, Divine Command Theory, Moral Obligation, Dependence, Relation