Study Notes on Christian Ethics and Moral Development

Christian Ethics & Moral Development

Section A: Introduction to the Course

  • Instructor: Dr. Jenifer A. Daley

Table of Contents

  • Welcome

  • Syllabus

  • Making the Best of the Class

  • Introduction to Ethical Principles

Outline of Key Topics

  • Ethical Foundations

    • Action

    • Ethical Theory

    • Motives

    • Theoretical Foundation

    • Worldview: PAST

Defining Ethics

  • Ethics: A system that seeks to establish norms for determining right and wrong behavior.

    • Involves making decisions about moral issues.

    • Comprised of moral principles and rules of conduct.

Understanding Morality

  • Morality: Concerns about the distinction between right and wrong. Address questions such as:

    • What is a good person?

    • What is morally praiseworthy?

    • What constitutes a good life?

    • What would a good society look like?

    • Reference: Scott B. Rae, Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics, 4th Edition (Zondervan, 2018), p. 13.

Ethics vs. Morality

  • Ethics:

    • Right and wrong as evaluated by external rules.

  • Morals:

    • Personal principles that often do not change and can vary by environment.

  • Further Reference: Geeks for Geeks - Ethics vs. Morality

Sources of Ethical Views

  • Where do our ethical views/systems originate?

    • Religion: Many ethical systems are grounded in religious beliefs and teachings.

    • Politics: Political ideologies can shape ethical standards and moral reasoning.

    • Money and Economics: Economic factors can influence moral judgments and ethical decisions.

    • Social/Relational: Relationships and social dynamics impact individual ethical perspectives.

Authority in Ethical Decisions

  • Questions of Authority: To whom or what do we look for authority in our lives?

    • How do we make decisions about right and wrong based on these authorities?

Ethical Decision-Making Framework

  • With multiple ethical options in society, critical questions arise:

    • How do we choose what guides our ethical choices?

    • What constitutes a good ethical system?

Role of Ethics as a Discipline

  • Ethical Discipline: Enhances the ability to make better everyday decisions.

    • Focuses on how to choose and how to live.

Distinguishing Between 'Right' and 'Correct'

  • Important Definitions:

    • Correct: Refers to information that is factually true.

    • Right: Relates to moral truth.

    • Ethical inquiries require different methods than factual inquiries due to their nature.

    • Citation: Wilkens, p. 16.

Interconnection with Other Disciplines

  • Ethics closely intersects with various fields:

    • Example: Medical ethics requires relevant medical facts while also considering moral implications.

Key Aspects of Ethics

  • Ought: Ethical actions are prescriptive, indicating a sense of obligation.

  • Questions Include: Why do people do what they do?

Components of Ethical Theory

  • Ethical Theory Focus:

    • Evaluating and guiding personal and others' actions.

    • Ethical theories form part of a broader worldview or social imaginary, which encompasses beliefs about how the world operates.

    • Ethical beliefs may conflict with one's overarching worldview.

Personal Ethical Systems

  • Every individual possesses an ethical system that reflects their worldview (referred to as social imaginary).

Appendix 1: Four Western Worldview Models

  • Sources that support different ethical views:

    • Theology: Grounded in divine command or religious texts.

    • Philosophy: Involves rational thought and ethical reasoning.

    • Biology, Psychology, Sociology: Influence moral perspectives based on human behavior and society.

    • Law, Politics, Economics: Shape ethical norms within societal frameworks.

Examples of Worldviews Described

  • Secular Humanism:

    • Associated with atheism, relativism, and positive law approaches.

  • Biblical Christianity:

    • Based on theism, supernaturalism, and traditional moral law.

Implications of Worldviews

  • Each worldview carries distinct ethical implications for society, influencing laws, relationships, and personal choices.

Ethics and Life

  • Worldview: Provides the basic framework for understanding ethical theory and moral choices, shaping ethical systems.

Homework

  • Reading Assignment: Chapters 1 and 2 of Scott B. Rae, Moral Choices, 4th Edition.