The study of moral and ethical concepts in religious traditions, including the treatment of animals, the environment, and human beings.
The meaning of ethics and morality: Ethics and morality are complex concepts that vary from religion to religion, from culture to culture. Understanding the fundamental meaning of these concepts is essential.
The history of religion: It is essential to have a clear understanding of the origins of different religions and the way they developed over time. Such knowledge can give context to particular religious beliefs and practices.
Comparative religion: Studying and comparing similarities and differences between religions enables one to understand how different cultures view ethical and moral issues.
Divine Command Theory: This theory argues that an action is morally right if God commands it and wrong if God prohibits it.
Natural Law Theory: This theory argues that certain things are right or wrong based on their innate nature.
Virtue Ethics: This approach to ethical and moral issues focuses on the cultivation of individual character traits.
Deontological Ethics: This approach to ethical and moral issues emphasizes duty and obligation.
Utilitarianism: This ethical theory views actions as right or wrong based on the amount of happiness or pleasure they produce.
Environmental Ethics: The study of how religions view and interact with the natural environment.
Human Rights: The study of ethical and moral issues relating to the rights and dignity of individuals and groups.
Just War Theory: The study of ethical and moral issues relating to the use of force in international affairs.
Bioethics: The study of moral and ethical issues relating to medical science and biotechnology.
Buddhism: An Eastern religion that upholds principles of personal morality, ethics, and discipline with a primary focus on suffering and the nature of existence.
Christianity: A Western religion based on the life, teachings, and person of Jesus Christ, emphasizing love, compassion, and humility.
Confucianism: A Chinese philosophy teaching ethics based on moral principles, order, and relationships, as well as emphasizing respect for family and authority figures.
Hinduism: A polytheistic religion that upholds moral principles grounded in karma or actions, dharma, the pursuit of harmony, and eventual liberation from samsara or the cycle of birth and death.
Islam: A monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, emphasizing justice, compassion, and submission to Allah, the one true God.
Jainism: An Indian religion teaching non-violence, purity of thought, and self-control as paths to liberation from suffering.
Judaism: A monotheistic religion based on the Ten Commandments and moral laws to guide ethical behavior.
Shintoism: A traditional Japanese religion emphasizing reverence for nature, spirits, and ancestors.
Sikhism: A monotheistic religion that promotes selfless service, meditation, and ethical living, emphasizing the importance of honesty, equality, and respect for all.
Taoism: A Chinese philosophy emphasizing simplicity, humility, and harmony with nature.
Zoroastrianism: A monotheistic religion that teaches ethical dualism, the struggle between good and evil, and emphasizes ethical conduct, purity, and reverence for nature.