lOMoARcPSD|27126448 Running head: RELIGION AND ETHICS Religion and Ethics Downloaded by Hello Guess (helloguess2021@gmail.com) 1 lOMoARcPSD|27126448 RELIGION AND ETHICS 2 Religion and Ethics Religion and ethics have long been a topic of discussion among philosophers. Religion significantly influences how individuals view morality, even if ethics deals with ideas like right and wrong behavior. In addition to examining the ethical pathways one might take, this article examines the relationship between religion and ethics. Additionally, it will discuss emotivism, the viewpoints of natural law ethicists, and the application of divine command ethics to ethical problems. The Relationship between Ethics and Religion Promoting righteous behavior and offering guidelines for ethical behavior are shared objectives of religion and ethics. Many religious traditions' fundamental beliefs and scriptures are the foundation for their ethical systems. These moral rules frequently have an impact on the deeds and choices of followers. The connection between religion and ethics is complicated. Some consider that they may coexist without one another, while others say morality comes primarily from religion. They also contend that a higher force or a supernatural directive establishes moral standards (Plaisted, 2017). We will examine the two moral conundrums and determine each situation's best action. Dilemma 1 - Jane Doe's Sexual Attraction and Religious Beliefs Ethical Path: One core tenet of Jane Doe's autonomy is the freedom to be herself and express her sexual preference. She should make an effort as an adult to accept who she is, regardless of her parent's religious beliefs. Unethical Path: Jane Doe may feel mental turmoil, internal conflict, and a lack of satisfaction if she represses her sexual inclination because of her religious convictions. Downloaded by Hello Guess (helloguess2021@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|27126448 Dilemma 2 - Joe and Mary's Desire for Another Child and Religious Prohibition on IVF Ethical Path: Mary and Joe are fervently hoping to expand their family. They should consider using in vitro fertilization to have another kid if it is in their best interests and does not hurt others. It would be moral to do so. Unethical Path: Mary and Joe may endure protracted emotional and grief-related suffering if they decide against having further children for religious reasons. This can impact their relationship and overall health. Emotivism's Perspective The idea of emotivism contends that moral judgments are not founded on objective truths but are manifestations of one's attitudes and feelings. An emotivist will assess the behavior in each instance based on the emotional responses they bring about (Plaisted, 2017). First, an emotivist would emphasize sympathy and understanding for Jane Doe's identity crisis and the misery her mother's ideas caused her. They could think that choosing the moral course would let her live out her true self. In the second example, an emotivist may concentrate on Mary and Joe's feelings after their child passes away. They may think the moral course prioritizes their happiness and mental health over everything else. Natural Law Ethicists' Perspective Natural law is an idea based on human nature and the drive to obtain things, and ethics is a framework that explains the fundamental rules of ethical action. It highlights the impartiality and universality of such standards (Seipel, 2015). An ethicist can contend that Jane Doe's sexual orientation is a fundamental aspect of her identity. Her efforts to find happiness and build Downloaded by Hello Guess (helloguess2021@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|27126448 relationships with others align with her basic human needs. This suggests that she should accept her identity following the rules of natural law. Divine Command Ethics’ Perspective A person's duty is constrained by the dictates of God or a higher authority following divine command ethics. God's instructions establish the proper course of conduct, and those who follow them must do so (Plaisted, 2017). In the first scenario, an ethicist would contend that Jane Doe's religious convictions, which forbid practicing homosexuality, are a divine command that must be obeyed. According to this concept, it would be immoral for her to come out as a lesbian. Divine ethicists would view the religious ban on in vitro fertilization as a divine directive that must be obeyed and honored in the case of this procedure. They would consider it unethical to carry out this operation. Conclusion: Ethical conundrums can occur when a person's ideals and beliefs conflict with religious precepts. A complicated link exists between religion and ethics, with many different viewpoints and interpretations. We looked at the views of divine command ethics, emotivism, and natural law ethicists to assess the moral behavior of these examples. A person's worldview, beliefs, and ideals are just a few examples of the many aspects that go into an ethical decision-making process. People must consider their well-being, empathy, and autonomy when making decisions. Although ethical theories might offer valuable insights, it is up to the individual to decide how to handle these situations. Downloaded by Hello Guess (helloguess2021@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|27126448 References Plaisted, D. (2017). On justifying one’s acceptance of divine command theory. International Journal for Philosophy of Religion, 81(3), 315–334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11153-016-9572-3 Rachels, S., Rachels, J. (2019). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education. Seipel. (2015). AQUINAS AND THE NATURAL LAW: A Derivationist Reading of ST I-II, Q. 94, A. 2. The Journal of Religious Ethics, 43(1), 28–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/jore.12085 Downloaded by Hello Guess (helloguess2021@gmail.com)
