Ethical Relativism holds that ethics change when the situation changes. (I.e. while it might be wrong for an average person to commit theft, it would be acceptable for a starving person to steal to feed his family.)
Cultural Relativism holds that due to culture and history being different in different regions, different truths are acceptable. Cultural Relativism stresses that different cultures have this sort of relationship. (I.e. Aztecs sacrificed humans and it's OK in their culture, but killing people in ours is a crime punishable by death.)
Divine Theory is more Universalist in nature. According to Divine Theory, if you reject the Divine Law, you are performing wrong actions regardless of whether or not you concede the validity of the Divine Theory. This means that upbringing and culture are no excuse to avoiding the Universalist Code of Ethics. (The thief in the Ethical Relativism case would still be doing wrong.)
The Euthyphro dilemma, originating from Plato's dialogue, questions whether something is good because the gods command it or if the gods command it because it is good. This dilemma relates to relativism and objectivism by highlighting the tension between subjective moral standards (relativism) and the existence of universal moral truths (objectivism). If morality is based solely on divine command (relativism), it becomes arbitrary; if it exists independently of divine will (objectivism), then moral truths exist beyond cultural or individual beliefs. Thus, the dilemma underscores the philosophical debate over whether moral values are absolute or culturally contingent.
Divine Command Theory (DCT) is a theory that stands to say that something is morally acceptable simply "because God says so." (ie: To donate to charity is "good." What makes giving to charity good? "Because God commands it.") Cultural Relativism/Ethnocentrism (CR) is a theory that states that there is no universal code for morality, rather that one's cultural upbringing determines morality. (ie: Just because Americans do not traditionally practice cannibalism, that does not make it morally wrong. Other cultures are raised to think this is a natural and normal practice.) Hope this answers your question!
Divine authority is the belief that power and control are derived from a divine or higher source, such as a deity or religious text. This authority is often perceived as being absolute and unquestionable by those who adhere to the divine teachings or commandments. It serves as the basis for moral and ethical guidance in religious contexts.
Assuming you are asking what the difference between the three, Divine command ethics is the idea that all ethics are handed down from a supreme being to humans. This set of ethics includes everything that is right/wrong in the particular religion of the person in question. Reason-based deontological ethics are ethics based on obligations, such as the obligation to pay your taxes, to tell the truth, etc. Most ethics based on this system are derived from what benefits the society and the ideals of the society in question, leaving some of what is covered by divine command ethics up to the individuals opinion. An example of the differences between the two would be that in divine command ethics based off of Christianity, homosexuality is strictly wrong. In reason-based ethics, using the definition of society as simply a group of people, homosexuality is a question left to the person's opinions as it does not violate any obligations a person may have. Another example would be the question of divorce. In divine command ethics based off of Christianity, divorce is wrong. In Reason based ethics, as the act of divorce, if not the associated ordeals, harms no person, it does not violate any obligations a person may have, assuming that the society has a method in place for divorce. Ethical Relativism isn't so much a system of ethics as the idea that ethics change depending on the situation. Using this as an argument, one can claim that an act such as killing another person is not unethical if they are from a faction (country, tribe, religion, etc) that is at war with them. Ethical relativism is also applied in the idea of self-defense, as it is considered fine to harm a person if their actions jeopardize the safety of others. An extreme example of this would be the claim that stealing is no longer unethical if it is the only way for a person to survive.
Divine theory, often referred to as divine command theory, posits that moral values and duties are grounded in the commands of a divine being. For example, the belief that "murder is wrong" is true because it is a command from God. Another example is the idea that individuals should love their neighbors, which is derived from religious teachings. This theory suggests that ethical principles are not based on human reasoning but on divine will.
The divine command theory of ethics posits that moral obligations are derived from a divine being or deity, while natural law theory suggests that ethical principles are inherent in the nature of the world itself. In some interpretations, the divine command theory may argue that moral laws are a part of the natural order established by a divine being, which can show some overlap with natural law theory.
Ethical Monotheism is a term used to describe a belief in one God who guides humanity through ethical principles. This can be seen as distinct from monotheistic beliefs which may be based on dogma or doctrines.Ethical monotheists sometimes believe that all ethical standards are derived from God and they are thus dependant upon the divine in this way.
Anthony Ashley Cooper, the 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury, believed that the divine was expressed through the natural order and the inherent goodness of the universe. He emphasized the importance of moral sense and the innate human capacity for virtue, which he saw as reflections of a higher, divine rationality. Shaftesbury argued that true understanding of the divine could be achieved through an appreciation of beauty, harmony, and moral sentiments in nature and human relationships. Ultimately, he viewed the divine as a guiding force that inspires ethical behavior and the pursuit of the common good.
John Stuart Mill did not outright reject the concept of divine command, but he approached morality from a utilitarian perspective, emphasizing human reason and the consequences of actions rather than divine will. He believed that ethical principles should be based on their ability to promote happiness and reduce suffering, rather than adherence to religious doctrine. This focus on human welfare and rationality suggests a shift away from traditional divine command theories in ethics.
In religious and cultural contexts, a baby angel symbolizes innocence, purity, and divine protection. They are often seen as messengers of God or guardians who watch over and guide individuals.
The "virtuous pagans" was a title applied by Dante in his Divine Comedy to the Pagans who did not convert to Christianity but still lived ethical lives according to Christian standards (not stealing, killing, etc).
Japan's divine mission, often referred to as "Shinto," is rooted in the belief that the Japanese people are descendants of the sun goddess Amaterasu. This concept has historically been tied to the notion of Japan as a unique, spiritually significant nation with a special role in the world, often promoting ideas of national unity and cultural identity. In modern contexts, this divine mission can be interpreted as a call to preserve Japan's cultural heritage and values while contributing positively to global society.