Christian
Ethics
(RELT 373)
I.
What is Ethics?
A. “Ethics are standards of duty and
virtue, indicating how one
should/ought to behave according to
principles of right and wrong. Ethics
focuses on the question: What ought
one to do?”
I.
What is Ethics?
B. Ethics (n.)
1. The discipline dealing with what is good
and bad or right and wrong or with moral
duty and obligation;
2. A group of moral principles or set of
values; a particular theory or system of
moral values;
3. The principles of conduct governing an
individual or a profession; standards of
behavior;
II.
Definitions of Moral
Terms
A. Values
1. A principle or quality seen as intrinsically
desirable or valuable. (Generally very
broad.)
2. Values are Vague, not precisely defined
as specific behaviors
3. Christian Example: Modesty, honesty,
etc.
II.
Definitions of Moral
Terms
B. Norms
1. A principle of right action that is binding on
groups and group members, which guides and
regulates appropriate behavior
2. Is narrower in focus than Values but broader
than Rules.
3. Semi-specific definitions for behavior but still
some vagueness.
4. Christian Example: (re value of modesty): Ladies
should not wear blouses/shirts with a deep vee
(i.e. revealing) or short skirts; men should not
wear pants too tight.
II.
Definitions of Moral
Terms
C. Rules
1. Specific regulations applying a norm to
specific behavioral definitions. Rules are
narrower in focus Norms.
2. Example:
http://www.purefashion.com/modesty_guidelines
• Shirt/blouse/dress: "The neck line should be no
lower than 4 fingers below collar bone"
• Skirt/dress: "Can be no shorter that 4 fingers
above the top of the kneecap"
II.
Definitions of Moral
Terms
D. Moral Dilemma, Dilemma, Moral Conflict
1. Moral Dilemma: A case where one has
two moral “oughts” in conflict with no way
to satisfy both – in Theological terms one
must sin or sin.
•
Classic example cited: “Lying to save the
Jew you hid from the Nazi's.”
II.
2.
•
Definitions of Moral
Terms
Dilemma: A situation that requires a choice between
options that are or seem equally unfavorable or mutually
exclusive, but the moral issues are clear or not an issue.
Examples:
•
•
You accidentally double-book an appointment and have to
cancel one.
An elderly hospital patient has just been diagnosed as
terminally ill but the family has asked you not to tell this patient
that information. Now the patient asks you if they are dying.
Moral Dilemma, Dilemma,
Moral Conflict
3.
Moral Conflict: A specialized form of Dilemma where one
will be in conflict & experience suffering IF you do the
“Right Thing.” The moral issue is perfectly clear, however.
Example: The 3 Hebrews: Bow down to an image versus
being thrown into a fiery furnace; Daniel and the Lions’
den; One may risk losing their job to properly keep the
Sabbath.
•
Geisler often treats a Moral Conflict and a Moral
Dilemma as being the same thing, but they are not the
same.
Ethical Absolutism versus
Relativism
• Ethical Absolutism: Believes there are
absolute, unchanging, universal standards of
right and wrong, not affected by cultural or
social influences: Right and Wrong are
ABSOLUTE!
• Ethical Relativism: Denies any absolute,
universal standards of right and wrong. Sees
morality as evolving, flexible, and culturally
based.
III. Classifying Ethical
Systems
• Two Pairs of Opposite terms used to
classify Ethical Schools/Systems
– Deontological versus Teleological
– Libertine versus Paternalistic
Deontological Ethics
• Based on Duty, not Consequences
• Do the right thing because it is right,
regardless of consequences
– Keep the Sabbath even if it means
losing your job
– Whistle blower risking job or promotion
• Absolutist
• Less adaptable, but stable, firm,
sometimes rigid
Teleological Ethics
• Good is determined by
consequences, not by theoretical
principles or by intentions
• Swat team illustration – is shooting
moral?
– Depends on what the bullet hits
• Relativist
• Flexible, but no assurance you are
doing right until it works out
Paternalistic Ethics
• Greek: Pater = Father
• Says ethics needs a Father/Authority
to tell you what is right and wrong
• The authority can be a Government,
a philosopher, etc.
• “Father knows best” mentality
• Tends to closely ally with
Deontological
Libertine Ethics
• Emphasizes the full LIBERTY of the
individual to decide for YOURSELF
what is right and wrong
• No authority figure
4-Way Overlap
Deontological
Teleological
Paternalistic
Libertine
Christian Ethics
Deontological
Teleological
Paternalistic
Libertine
Christian Ethics
Deontological
Traditional
Christian
Teleological
Paternalistic
Libertine
Other Ethics
Deontological
Traditional
Christian`
Teleological
Paternalistic
Libertine
Other Ethics
Deontological
Traditional
Christian
Teleological
Rule
Utilitarian
Paternalistic
Libertine
Other Ethics
Deontological
Traditional
Christian
Teleological
Rule
Utilitarian
Paternalistic
Libertine
Other Ethics
Deontological
Traditional
Christian
Teleological
Rule
Utilitarian
Paternalistic
Most
Teleological
Libertine
Like 4 Color Printing – Near
infinite combinations
• Thus there are many many schools of
ethics
• No master list – varies by author
• Geisler Chapter 1
• Conclusion:
– Proof we cant figure out right and wrong on
our own abilities
– David L and Allan R in Hawaii
Christian Conclusion
• Micah 6:8
End of Intro to Ethics
Biblical Absolutism is Next