Ethics and Morality in Society
Unit 2: Religion and Society Year 11 Religious Studies Exploring moral frameworks and ethical decision-making
What Are Ethics and Morality?
Ethics: The study of what is right and wrong Morality: Personal beliefs about right and wrong behaviour Both guide decision-making in daily life Influenced by culture, religion, and personal experience
Religious vs Secular Ethics
{"left":"Based on divine commands or sacred texts\nAbsolute moral truths\nAuthority from religious tradition\nExamples: Ten Commandments, Islamic Sharia","right":"Based on human reason and experience\nRelative or contextual morality\nAuthority from logic and consequences\nExamples: Utilitarianism, Social Contract Theory"}
Major Ethical Frameworks
Deontological Ethics: Duty-based (Kant) Consequentialism: Outcome-based (Utilitarianism) Virtue Ethics: Character-based (Aristotle) Divine Command Theory: God-based morality
Ethical Dilemma Analysis
Scenario: You find a wallet with $500 and an ID Work in groups to discuss: What would each ethical framework suggest? What factors influence your decision? Present your group's reasoning to the class
Religious Perspectives on Morality
Christianity: Love thy neighbour, Golden Rule Islam: Five Pillars, justice and compassion Judaism: Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) Buddhism: Noble Eightfold Path, reducing suffering Hinduism: Dharma and karma
Discussion Question
Can morality exist without religion? Consider: Secular societies with strong moral codes Religious societies with moral failings Personal vs institutional morality
Contemporary Moral Issues
Ethics in Australian Society
Multiculturalism and moral pluralism Secular government with religious freedom Indigenous perspectives on land and community Contemporary debates: euthanasia, same-sex marriage Role of ethics in law and policy
Reflection and Summary
"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King Jr.