Divine Command Theory In Relation To The Euthyphro Dilemma

Ryan Wallace

Dr. Ben Dixon

PHIL-3350-640- Medical Ethics

20 April 2023

2nd Medical Ethics Assignment

In the United States, religious ideologies have prevailed in guiding moral rightness and wrongness, in that God commands what is considered good or bad. The Divine Command Theory gives insight into the nature of right and wrong as commanded by God, offering an objective perspective on ethical standing (Rachel, 2011). However, this theory does pose a few problems, and, more specifically, in relation to the Euthyphro dilemma. The Euthyphro dilemma questions whether morality is based on the commandment of God or if the commandment of God is based on morality (Rachel, 2011). Is conduct right only if God commands it to be? If that were the case,

For example, lying is considered wrong in God’s commandments. However, God could just as easily command that lying is morally right, and, thus, we are caught in a dilemma. However, does God command it only if conduct is right? This option implies that God’s commands are not arbitrary, meaning that God’s commandments are what he sees is best. However, by admitting that there is a standard of right and wrong, we acknowledge that it is independent of God’s will, thus abandoning the theological conception of morality (Rachel, 2011). So, how does this dilemma provide insight into the relationship between religion and morality? For religious believers, it is unacceptable to refer to God’s commands as arbitrary (i.e., is conduct right only if God commands it?), so a standard of right and wrong that is independent from God’s will must be accepted (Rachel, 2011).

For the sake of religious and moral deliberation, the patient was diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder that relies on constant monitoring and blood transfusions. However, the patient does not want to violate their faith in making a treatment choice. As a medical ethicist, I respect their decision to uphold their faith and find alternatives to treatment options. However, there can be a few problems with this scenario. Some treatment options may be the only way to see health improvements but could also go against a person’s faith. For example, a Jehovah's Witness believes it is against God’s will to receive blood and, therefore, refuse blood transfusions regardless of medical urgency. Of course, I would respect their faith, however, if it were a life-or-death situation, would it be unethical of me to not do everything in my power to potentially save a life? Even though people have their beliefs, their beliefs should not jeopardize their health. Following God’s commandments is not worth the risk of lowering a person’s quality of life. As stated in the Divine Command Theory, the Euthyphro dilemma explains why morality and God’s will are independent from one another. Thus, a standard of right and wrong should be accepted outside of religious beliefs. This can be said for medical practices as well. Just because God commands