Question

The ancient Egyptians are very religious and worship the many gods. Their moral rules are based upon understanding what would be pleasing to the gods. Clearly, the ancient Egyptians are following the Divine Command Theory. Suppose I say that the ancient Egyptians are following the theory of Utilitarianism. Can you give reasons to show that I am right, that the ancient Egyptians beside following the Divine Command Theory are also acting according to Utilitarianism?

PHILOSOPHY

Answer 1

According to the Divine Command Theory it is said that moral works are the command of God. Man does the moral activities as these works are dictated God. It is the moral obligation of man to obey God. By following morality man follows God. The ancient Egyptians would follow this path.

It partly reflects the theory of utilitarianism. In the theory of utilitarianism, it is said that man must do the work that does good for the maximum people. So, the morality of the action depends on the consequence of the work.

The ancient Egyptian would believe that if there is morality, then there would be good consequence. In most of the cases we find this reflection. The ancient Egyptian would also take the immoral ways for the benefit of the people and it would be considered as the command of God because such activity would help maximum people without doing any harm. The theory of utility also emphasizes on the fact that we should depend on the good consequence of the work without making any harm.