Introduction to Philosophical and Theological Ethics

Abstract

This chapter introduces the nature, relevance and scope of the subject, inviting a consideration of the mixed influences on ethical decision-making and formation, both at personal and societal levels. The nature of the book is to explore common and divergent influences on ethical theory and practice both in dominant western secular paradigms and within religious traditions and communities. The religions considered will include Christianity, Islam and Judaism from the ‘Abrahamic tradition’ and Hinduism and Buddhism from the dharmic traditions. The extent to which ethics in religious paradigms and worldviews also overlap with or include understandings that are now viewed as secular is explored. Correspondingly the religious influences on aspects of secular and philosophical ethics are also considered. The methodology used will draw on texts from particular faiths and illustrative writers from those traditions, recognizing that no community, religious or secular, is homogenous. The chapter will conclude with an outline of the structure of the book and conclude with an invitation to a dialogue to explore the issues further. As a way to assist this exploration the chapter will also include some questions and exercises to prompt further reflection by readers.