James Rachels, (Ethical Egoism)- view that what is right to do is whatever best
promotes one’s self-interest. Ethical egoism is a teleological theory because it determines
rightness based on the results of one’s actions.
Divine Command Theory, morally right actions are right because God commands them.
It’s a deontological theory because the rightness of actions is determined by their source,
namely, God’s command.
Egoism-acting to meet one’s own interests
Altruism- Acting to meet someone else’s interest.
Psychological Egoism- we naturally act from self-interest
Ethical Egoism- we ought to act from self-interest
John Arthur, relationship between morality and religious beliefs
1. Religion is held by some to be necessary in order to provide motivation for people
to do the right thing
2. Without the guidance or religious teachings, some claim, we would not know for
certain what is right and wrong behavior
3. Without God there would be no morality
4. God approves what is right and virtuous because it is right and virtuous apart from
or prior to his commands
