The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast Episode 148, 'Divine Commands' with Paul Taylor (Part I - The Euthyphro Dilemma)
Oct 19, 2025
Join Paul Taylor, a doctoral candidate at the University of Liverpool, as he unpacks the philosophical challenges surrounding the Euthyphro dilemma. He explores whether morality is contingent on divine commands or rooted in objective truths. The discussion delves into how divine command theory can uphold the notion of God's goodness without falling into the trap of arbitrariness. Taylor also tackles objections to this theory, questioning the implications of God commanding morally abhorrent acts, making for an engaging philosophical debate.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
After-Event Pub, Stolen Bag, And 2am Wake-Up
- Paul recounts an event at the Royal Institution where his bag was stolen after a successful panel.
- He then returned to an Airbnb and was woken at 2am by Jonathan who thought he'd broken the door.
Losing Faith For A Lie-In
- Taylor says he lost his Christian faith around age nine or ten, partly to enjoy Sunday lie-ins.
- He finds it fascinating that billions solemnly believe despite his disbelief.
Two Horns Of The Euthyphro Dilemma
- Paul Taylor outlines the two horns of the Euthyphro dilemma: divine command theory vs. moral facts independent of God.
- He frames divine command as God-making goodness and natural law as God reporting an independent goodness.
