Examination of Various Formulations Of Divine Command Theories With A Focus On Ockham's View

On the basis of divine command theory which has a long history the only criterion for moral rules is Holy Scripture reflecting the Divine commandments and prohibitions. This theory has taken on different epistemological, ontological and exciting formulations in the history of thought so that one should now speak of divine command theories. William Ockham is among those who drew a serious attention to the theory according to which found all ethical values originated from divine commands for which he offered an ontological statement. He considers the Divine commands to be necessary and sufficient conditions for ethics and that the only criterion of ethical value is Divine will or Law. Such a view, however, leads to denial of ethical rationality that urge human being to equality and justice. The present article is an attempt to review different versions of the theory and examine the ontological approach of Ockham in this issue.