<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

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{"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

Online veröffentlicht: 27. Feb. 2023

Seitenbereich: 52 - 69

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

Schlüsselwörter
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

Online veröffentlicht: 27. Feb. 2023

Seitenbereich: 52 - 69

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

SchlüsselwörterMetaphysical 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.

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