1. PHI 423 Ethical Theory and Practice
Crook, Chapters 1-2

2. Crooke – Chapter 1 Assumptions
Every ethical system is based on a worldview, and the worldview on which Christian ethics is based is the Christian faith.
There is an orderliness to the universe that is independent of our knowledge of it.
We can know something about the orderliness.
Human beings have free will.
Individual responsibility.

3. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Judaism
The God of the Hebrews created the heavens and earth, and continues to govern them with mercy and justice.
The Torah is God’s word to humankind.
God’s word came and comes to Israel.

4. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Orthodox Judaism
The entire Torah, oral and written, comes from God, in exactly the words we now have it.
Ethical code based on the authority of the Author. Right is right; wrong is wrong because God said so.
Tends to focus on personal morality and individual decisions.

5. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Reformed Judaism
The Mosaic laws were for that time and that culture. Only the moral laws are binding today.
Ethical behavior is based more on human reason.
Tends to focus on social issues.

6. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Conservative Judaism
Between Orthodox and Reformed.
Seeks underlying principles behind the laws.
Reformed Conservative Orthodox

7. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Islam
“There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.”
The appropriate response to God is submission (Islam).
The Qu’ran (“recitation”) is the literal words of God.

8. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
The Five Pillars of Islam
Reciting the creed
Almsgiving
Prayer
Fasting
Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca

9. Sunni and Shia Muslim Distribution

10. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Hinduism
9 Generally accepted beliefs
There is “one all-pervasive Supreme Being”.
Endless cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution. (Samsara)
All souls are evolving.
The law of cause and effect (Karma).
Reincarnation.
Divine beings and forces that require worship.
There is a need for an awakened master for one’s life.
All life is sacred, and one should pursue non-violence.
No particular religion teaches the only way to salvation.

11. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Buddhism
The Four Noble Truths
Life is suffering
Suffering is due to desire
Desire must be extinguished
One must walk the Noble Eightfold path.

12. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Buddhism
Not to destroy life
Not to steal
Not to engage in sexual misconduct
Not to lie
Not to drink alcohol
Not to eat after midday
Not to take part in amusements such as dancing, singing, or theater
Not to wear ornaments, use perfume, or dress extravagantly
Not to sleep on comfortable beds
Not to accept money.

13. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Humanism
Our basic obligation is to the human race.
The human race can control its destiny
Humanism seeks to establish a social order that operates for the benefit of all people.

14. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Objectivism
Ayn Rand
Ethical egoism – Your primary obligation is to yourself.

15. Ch 2 – Alternatives to Christian Ethics
Behaviorism
B. F. Skinner.
People do what they do because of social, cultural, and genetic factors.
Morality is conforming to the patterns of conduct established by the environment.
BBT