What does divine command in deontological ethics state?

What does divine command in deontological ethics state?

• A. Morally correct action is consistent with specific rules based on religious texts
• B. The greatest good for the greatest number
• C. The welfare of humans supersedes all
• D. Animals have no moral status

Answer: (A)

Divine command theory holds that what makes an action morally right is that it aligns with God's commands. Morality is determined by obedience to God’s directives, which are typically found in religious texts or revealed through theology, rather than by outcomes or human preferences. So, the morally correct action is the one that follows these divinely authorised rules. The other options describe different ethical views. The greatest good for the greatest number reflects utilitarianism, which bases rightness on overall welfare outcomes. Saying the welfare of humans supersedes all frames morality as human-centered rather than divine-based. Claiming that animals have no moral status shifts consideration away from duties to beings other than humans, which is not what divine command theory specifically asserts.

Divine command theory holds that what makes an action morally right is that it aligns with God's commands. Morality is determined by obedience to God’s directives, which are typically found in religious texts or revealed through theology, rather than by outcomes or human preferences. So, the morally correct action is the one that follows these divinely authorised rules.

The other options describe different ethical views. The greatest good for the greatest number reflects utilitarianism, which bases rightness on overall welfare outcomes. Saying the welfare of humans supersedes all frames morality as human-centered rather than divine-based. Claiming that animals have no moral status shifts consideration away from duties to beings other than humans, which is not what divine command theory specifically asserts.