Adams, Robert
American philosopher born in 1937, he created a modified version of the ‘Divine Command Theory’
Arbitrariness problem
Criticism of the Divine Command Theory that basically states that if God commands morality then morality becomes purely arbitrary
Divine Command Theory
Meta-ethical theory that believes that morality is dependent upon God. Moral goodness occurs when moral agents are obedient to God’s commands.
Euthyphro dilemma
Dilemma originally found in Plato’s dialogue Euthyphro. Basically the dilemma asks is something good only because God commands it or because it is good in itself and God just enforces it
Pluralism objection
Basically states that the Divine Command Theory is unrealistic given the contradictorily nature of God’s commands as claimed by different religions.
Theonomy
Rule by God. The principles and values behind both religious and ethical rules are the same.
Autonomy
Self Rule; Freedom with reason. Morality existing independently or religion. Its ideas are shaped by reason alone.
Heteronomy
Morality shaped by religious belief. Its rules are taken directly from religious teaching.