Question

Topic: Compare and contrast metaethical theories

Thread: Now that you have learned about competing ethical theories, write a 500-600 word thread that compares and contrasts a Christian ethical theory with a competing ethical theory. Since we have already looked at ethical relativism in DB 1, you should choose from any theory in the Moral Reasoning textbook except ethical relativism. That means you can choose from Virtue Ethics, Natural Law, Ethical Egoism, Utilitarianism, Duty Ethics, Social Contract Theory, and Moral Realism (or any combination of these) in contrast to a Christian ethical theory such as Divine Command, Divine Nature, or Christian Revelational Ethics (or a combination of these).

1. How do these each system define “the good?” How does each claim to know “the good?”
2. What, if anything, do these systems have in common? What, if anything, are their key differences?
3. Which theory do you think is the stronger ethical theory? Defend your answer. This final question should take up the majority of your thread.

Answer 1

Ethical egoism vs Divine command

1.Definition of good and their claim:

Ethical egoism:

Ethical egoism describes action as good if something is good for the person who does the action instead of the greater good, and it is acceptable that everyone is happier if they act for themselves.

Divine command:

The divine order describes an act as good whether that action is God's order or God's denial, as per the declaration of God and the search of a happy afterlife.

2.Similarities and differences:

The distinction is that ethical egoism suggests doing certain things based on their needs and pleasure, and the divine order implies that one must regulate their actions and implies living based on the orders of God. There are no parallels between the two theories.

3. The better theory:

I would prefer the morality egoism if I were to pick a better theory by contrasting all of them. While this philosophy only focuses on one view, this philosophy does not encourage someone to do any immoral acts or behavior that would cause a person to be incarcerated because their own good is shown.For example, even if a person feels that he is killing a person for his own gain, they will not do it because this may result in the jailing which is dangerous for them and so he will obey the rules and regulations of non-affection, but this divine commands are not the same, because some of the commands that a deity (divine power) has to be given obey.