The Ethical Theory of the Divine Command: The Examination and Criticism of Duns Scotus' Stance

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Theology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Abstract:
The ethical theory of the divine command explores the basis of the ethical values in the divine decrees that exist in the sacred texts. Duns Scotus – whose theological opinions have emphasized the free volition and the absolute power of God – has been among the adherents of this theory. In line with considering the origin of the ethical obligation to be the divine volition, he presents a balanced ontological exposition for this theory. Ignoring to separate the divine volition from divine command and lacking a clear criterion for the identification of the divine volition, having internal inconsistency and self-contradiction, ruling for the permissibility of nonbelievers not believing in the ethical principles, and lacking a fixed ethical criterion for judging the moral correctness or incorrectness of different affairs are among the main challenges that troubles him in adopting a balanced exposition of the ethical theory of the divine command. Using an analytical-citation analysis method, this article first explains the theory of divine command and different readings of it, and then evaluates the reading offered by Scotus.

Keywords

References

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Philosophy of Religion
Volume 15, Issue 3
October 2018
Pages 719-738

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