Deepen your understanding of communities influenced by religious belief and consider fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of human life.
Course
— Academic Direction:
91app
Religion and ethics
Module information>
The relationship between religion and ethics is about that between revelation and reason.
Living an ethical life is a practical consequence of genuine religious belief. All the major religions describe how to do this, typically providing exemplars and practices which help followers develop morally and spiritually. Philosophical theories of ethics can provide humanistic and rational insight into the nature of different forms of religious ethics and may help believers find alternative ways to apply religious values in new situations. Together religious and philosophical traditions of ethics have substantial resources with which to address contemporary challenges and effect changes for the better. In an ever-changing world where answers are by no means straightforward, mistakes are common, however, so forgiveness and reconciliation may be necessary.
Topics covered
- Key ethical teachings in Judaism, Christianity and Islam
- Key ethical teachings in Hinduism and Buddhism
- Philosophical ethics: Utilitarianism
- Philosophical ethics: Deontology
- Philosophical ethics: Virtue Ethics
- The sanctity of human life: Abortion and euthanasia
- Religion, ethics and homosexuality
- Environmental stewardship
- War and peace
- Forgiveness and reconciliation
Assessments
Forum participation (5%); a two thousand-word essay (45%) and a 1.5-hour unseen written examination (50%).
