The Tension Between Divine Command Theory and Utilitarianism in Mozi and George Berkeley: A Comparison

Abstract

Both George Berkeley and Mozi display a tension in their moral philosophies between divine command theory and consequentialism. This essay argues that comparing the two philosophers can shed light on the relationship between certain philosophical positions and their resulting moral philosophies. In particular, the focus here is on the lack of interest in an appearance-reality distinction and in "essence" in both, which, it is argued, gives rise to the tension between consequentialism and divine command theory.