Ep 26. Does God Define the Good?

The Big Questions of Philosophy is a captivating television series that explores fundamental philosophical questions from a range of perspectives and with an emphasis on clear, accessible explanations. In season 1 episode 26, entitled "Does God Define the Good?", the show delves into the longstanding philosophical debate about the relationship between morality and religion, particularly the role of God as the source or standard of ethical goodness.

The episode opens with a brief overview of the concept of the Divine Command theory, which posits that moral truths are grounded in God's commands or will. This perspective has been influential throughout history, particularly in the Abrahamic religions, but it also raises significant challenges and criticisms. The host and guests discuss the problem of Euthyphro, famously posed by the ancient philosopher Plato: is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is good? If the former, it implies that morality is arbitrary and dependent on God's will alone, whereas if the latter, it suggests that there is a standard of goodness independent of God's authority, which could challenge the idea of God's supreme sovereignty.

The conversation then turns to other perspectives on the relationship between God and morality, including Ethics of Divine Will (the view that God's commands are inherently moral) and Natural Law theory (the idea that morality is based on inherent features of the natural world rather than divine commands). One notable guest offers a nuanced position that incorporates elements of several perspectives, arguing that while God may not create morality, God's commands can provide guidance and insight into the best ways to fulfill human flourishing and live a moral life.

Throughout the episode, the host and guests engage in thoughtful, respectful debate and exchange of ideas, drawing on diverse philosophical traditions and examples from real-world situations. They consider potential objections and counterarguments to each position, and explore the implications and consequences of various views.

Overall, "Does God Define the Good?" is a thought-provoking and stimulating episode that invites viewers to wrestle with fundamental philosophical questions and consider how they relate to their own beliefs and values. Whether viewers are religious, non-religious, or somewhere in between, they are sure to gain new insights and perspectives from this engaging and enlightening discussion.