Bioethics - Religious Ethics

Religious Ethics

An approach to morality based on religious teachings, virtues, and, in many traditions, God's commands.

Divine Command Theory (DCT)

The theory that actions are morally right because God commands them and wrong because God forbids them.

DCT vs objective morality

Moral standards come from God's will rather than personal feelings or social customs.

Features of Religious Ethics

Developing virtues and good character, and following divine commandments.

Virtues in Religious Ethics

Love, compassion, kindness, justice, mercy, forgiveness, and respect.

Golden Rule

Treat others as you would want to be treated.

Central Moral Principles of Jewish Ethics

Love God, love your neighbour, and love the stranger; avoid treating others in ways you would find hateful.

Central moral pinciples of Christian Ethics

Love God and your neighbour, and treat others as you would want to be treated.

Central Moral Principles in Islamic Ethics

Wish for others what you wish for yourself and avoid treating others in ways you would dislike.

Central Moral Principle of Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism

Avoid harming or treating others in ways you would find harmful or undesirable.

DCT comparable with all religious ethical systems

No. The slideshow identifies Confucianism and non-theistic Buddhism as examples of largely secular ethical systems.

Euthyphros Dillema

Are actions right because God commands them, or does God command them because they are already right?

Independence Thesis

Morality exists independently of God's will; God commands actions because they are morally right.

Dependency Thesis

Morality depends on God's will; actions are right because God commands them.

Problems with Independence Thesis

If morality exists independently of God, religion is not necessary to establish right and wrong.

Problems with Dependency Thesis

Morality could become arbitrary because God could theoretically command actions normally considered immoral.

Arguments that Religion is necessary for morality

Religious motivation, moral guidance, and God as the cause or foundation of morality.

Religious Motivation argument

Religion encourages moral behaviour through divine rewards for obedience and punishment for wrongdoing.

Criticism of the Religious Motivation Argument

People can act morally without religion, and acting for rewards or fear of punishment may be self-interested.

Moral Guidance Argument

Humans need religious teachings or revelation to know what is morally right and wrong.

God-as-Cause Argument

God is the source of everything, including moral laws, so morality ultimately depends on God.

John Arthur’s conclusion about religion and morality

Religion is not necessary for moral motivation or guidance, although religion and morality have historically influenced each other.

Religiious Beliefs affecting Healthcare decisions

They may influence blood transfusions, medical treatment, abortion, assisted reproduction, euthanasia, and withdrawal of life support.

Examples of religious beleifs affecting medical treatment

Jehovah's Witnesses may refuse blood transfusions; Christian Science adherents may favour spiritual healing over conventional medical care.

Advantages of DCT

It offers an objective moral foundation, clear rules, and guidance from a supposedly all-knowing divine authority.

Philosophical Critisisms of DCT

It assumes God's existence, risks arbitrary morality, and faces disagreements between religions and interpretations.

Religious Ethics conflict with modern healthcare and human rights

Religious rules may conflict with patient autonomy, medical recommendations, or legal protections of individual rights.