The Euthyphro, Divine Command Theory and Moral Realism

Philosophy (1):107-123 (2014)
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Abstract

Divine command theories of metaethics are commonly rejected on the basis of the Euthyphro problem. In this paper, I argue that the Euthyphro can be raised for all forms of moral realism. I go on to argue that this does not matter as the Euthyphro is not really a problem after all. I then briefly outline some of the attractions of a divine command theory of metaethics. I suggest that given one of the major reasons for rejecting such an analysis has been found to be unsound divine command theories deserve to be taken more seriously in contemporary metaethics.

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References found in this work

Essays on Quasi-Realism.Simon Blackburn - 1997 - Philosophical Quarterly 47 (186):96-99.
The Moral Problem.Stephen Darwall - 1996 - Philosophical Quarterly 46 (185):508-515.
Essays in Quasi-Realism.James C. Klagge - 1995 - Philosophical Review 104 (1):139.
Four Faces of Moral Realism.Stephen Finlay - 2007 - Philosophy Compass 2 (6):820-849.
Moral Reasons.Mark Van Roojen - 1995 - Philosophical Quarterly 45 (178):118-120.

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