16.2 Comparative Religious Ethics

Comparative religious ethics examines moral principles across different faiths. It explores how various religions approach ethical dilemmas, seeking common ground and understanding diverse perspectives on right and wrong.

This field connects to the broader study of religion and ethics by highlighting how spiritual beliefs shape moral frameworks. It offers insights into the complex relationship between faith, culture, and ethical decision-making in our diverse world.

Moral Theories

Moral Absolutism and Relativism

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• Moral absolutism holds that there are universal moral principles applicable to all people in all situations
• Asserts the existence of objective moral truths independent of individual or cultural beliefs (prohibitions against murder, theft)
• In contrast, moral relativism maintains that moral judgments are relative to the individual or culture
• Moral relativists argue that there are no universal moral standards due to cultural diversity and differing moral codes (attitudes towards polygamy, arranged marriages)

Ethical Pluralism

• Ethical pluralism recognizes the existence of multiple valid moral principles or values
• Acknowledges that these principles may sometimes conflict, requiring individuals to prioritize or balance competing moral considerations
• Pluralists argue that the complexity of moral issues necessitates a nuanced approach rather than strict adherence to a single moral theory
• Allows for flexibility in moral decision-making based on the specific context and competing values at stake (weighing individual autonomy against collective welfare)

Ethical Frameworks

Consequentialist Theories

• Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory that judges the morality of an action based on its outcomes or consequences
• Holds that the most ethical course of action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people
• Utilitarians focus on promoting positive outcomes and minimizing harm or suffering (weighing the benefits and costs of a policy decision)
• However, critics argue that utilitarianism can sometimes justify actions that violate individual rights for the sake of the greater good

Deontological Theories

• Deontology is an ethical framework that emphasizes adherence to moral rules or duties
• Asserts that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences
• Deontologists believe that moral rules, such as honesty or respect for autonomy, should not be violated even if doing so would lead to better outcomes
• Kant's Categorical Imperative is a key principle of deontology, which states that one should act only according to rules that could become universal laws (never lying, keeping promises)

Situation Ethics

• Situation ethics is an approach that prioritizes love and compassion in moral decision-making
• Holds that the most loving course of action in a given situation is the most ethical one
• Recognizes that rigid moral rules may sometimes need to be set aside in order to act with love and empathy
• Situation ethicists consider the unique circumstances and relationships involved in a moral dilemma (lying to protect someone from harm)

Contextual Considerations

Cultural Relativism and Moral Diversity

• Cultural relativism is the view that moral beliefs and practices are relative to the culture in which they occur
• Holds that there is no universal moral code, as morality is shaped by the values, norms, and traditions of each society
• Cultural relativists argue that we should not judge the moral practices of other cultures based on our own cultural standards (attitudes towards gender roles, corporal punishment)
• However, critics argue that cultural relativism can lead to moral nihilism and fails to provide a basis for critiquing unjust practices within cultures
• The diversity of moral beliefs across cultures raises questions about the universality of moral principles and the challenges of cross-cultural moral dialogue