Value, Duty and the Divine: A Critique of Robert Adams' Divine-Based Axiology and a Defense of a Divine Command Theory of Moral Obligation.

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/x346d4831

Abstract

In Robert Adams’ famous book, “Finite and Infinite Goods,” he proposes a moral value theory that is divine-based and explains moral goodness in terms of resemblance to God. In this paper I argue against Adams’ position and propose an alternative theory that is non-divine based but should still be accepted by theists. In the second half of this thesis I aim to show that divine command theory should not only be taken seriously as a metaethical stance, but that it is in fact the correct moral theory with regards to the nature of our moral duties. I present background information and explain the concept of moral duties and their distinctness from moral values. Then I show that of all the possible accounts of the reality of our moral duties, divine command theory is the only tenable option. I work through objections such as the Euthyphro dilemma and show how my theory holds up against such objections.

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