What is a key aspect of divine command theory?

A key aspect of divine command theory is that ethical rules are determined by a higher power. This philosophical perspective asserts that moral values and duties are grounded in the commands of a divine being, rather than being derived from human reasoning or societal conventions. According to divine command theory, something is considered morally right if it is aligned with the will of that higher power, and morally wrong if it contradicts that will.

This framework places a significant emphasis on the authority of the divine in shaping moral understanding, suggesting that moral truths are not subjective or relative but rather objective and established by a transcendent source. The implications of this theory can lead to different interpretations of moral obligations based on the religious texts or beliefs of individuals or communities. This sets divine command theory apart from ethical theories that prioritize human reasoning or societal consensus, which are not grounded in a divine authority.