Christian Ethics
Introduction to Christian Ethics is a core course that explores the major sources, methods, and insights of Christian social and theological ethics. Particular attention is given to Roman Catholic thought. The course will concentrate on the foundational sources in Christian ethics and examine the moral significance of major theological themes and affirmations.
Outcomes: Students will identify the major sources of Christian ethics (Scripture, Church tradition, philosophy, the social and human sciences, and human experience), and gain practice in identifying how different thinkers use, interpret, and prioritize these sources.
Introduction to Christian Ethics is a core course that explores the major sources, methods, and insights of Christian social and theological ethics. Particular attention is given to Roman Catholic thought. The course will concentrate on the foundational sources in Christian ethics and examine the moral significance of major theological themes and affirmations.
Outcomes: Students will identify the major sources of Christian ethics (Scripture, Church tradition, philosophy, the social and human sciences, and human experience), and gain practice in identifying how different thinkers use, interpret, and prioritize these sources.
THEO 185 is an Ethics core course that introduces people to the fundamental sources, methods, traditions, and insights of Christian ethics. The class begins with an examination of ethical relativism vs. universalism (or ethical realism) We will then continue by exploring the main ethical theories and sources for ethical reflection. Together, we explore how to apply these to ethical issues such as: (1) Questions of war, terrorism, and violence. (2) global ecological and economic concerns (3) structural violence, and ethical issues emerging with (4) information technologies (such as ethics of AI, ethics surrounding the merging of the biological with the digital, quantum computing, biotechnology, and moral dilemmas of freedom of expression and social media). It is not required to adhere to the Christian faith - or any religious tradition - in order to learn together in this course. Additionally, always feel free to bring your own religious traditions (or objections!!) into our conversations! Often, I find that views from outside a tradition can bring helpful insights and perspectives. In our ever increasingly global world, this is needed more than ever!
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