Christianity.

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Three different relationships religion has with ethics?
1) Autonomy - morality exists independently on religion, shaped by reason. 2) Heteronomy - morality shaped by religion, rules are taken from religious teachings. 3) Theonomy - principles and values being religious and ethical rules are the same.
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Describe the Euthyphro dilemma.
Plato said that socrates asks 'is something right because god commands it, or does command it because it is right?'. Is it good in itself and we can't apply reason, or are there a set of rules separate to god. He does not make them, but commands them
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Describe the Divine Command theory.
Something is good simply because God commands it, same as one side of euthyphro dilemma. Has been rejected by many, as some believe things are innately good or bad.
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What do humanists believe?
Humanists reject religion, they believe morality exists separately from religion. They believe our moral values are based on human nature and experience. It is unfair to the non-religious to suggest moral values depend on religion.
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List the 6 different authorities Christians use to discover will of God.
1) Bible - gods word, inspired humans. 2) Church - church tradition important to some. 3) Hold spirit - revelations affects ethics. 4) conscience - ultimate guide. 5) Love - most loving action. 6) Reason - god given so we just know.
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Discuss Christianity link with Judaism.
As Jesus was born and raised a Jew, the jewish tradition is seen in the bible. Moral principle behind jewish ethics is that God is just and loving. Jesus' actions are same as God's words, so are more important than ethical codes.
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Describe the importance of love, and St Pauls development.
Putting love into action is at the heart of Christianity, by following Jesus' teachings, union can be reached with God. St Paul (Jesus' apostle) developed law of love after he died, said all decisions arise naturally from love, this love is agape.
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Are Christian Ethics absolutist or relativist?
Roman Catholic have great emphasis on the church, which is underpinned by the laws of Aquinas Natural Law, so is absolutist. Protestants can be absolutist, but generally relativist, as apply jesus love god first then others rule.
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Describe situation ethics.
This comes from Jesus' 'love is the single most important factor in a decision'. Joseph Fletcher 1960s argued when in moral dilemma, right course of action is more loving thing. may go against law or bible. considers situations separately.
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Compare christianity to utilitarianism.
Although bentham was an athiest he thought christians would support it, as God is regarded as good. Mill also called principle of utility Jesus' golden rule, but they have different targets as christians believe others go first, this is not UT.
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Compare christianity to kantian ethics.
Placed emphasis on treating people as an end in themselves, and Kants universality echoes Jesus' golden rule but it requires rigid rules and actions determined by reason alone. This isnt how christians make judgements.
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Compare christianity and natural law.
philosophers in natural law are christian, both very close. NAtural law is a big part of roman catholicism, protestant ethics only share part of the philosophy, and situation ethics can deviate entirely.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Describe the Euthyphro dilemma.

Back

Plato said that socrates asks 'is something right because god commands it, or does command it because it is right?'. Is it good in itself and we can't apply reason, or are there a set of rules separate to god. He does not make them, but commands them

Card 3

Front

Describe the Divine Command theory.

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What do humanists believe?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

List the 6 different authorities Christians use to discover will of God.

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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