Study Questions for Ethics Summer 2007b
Contents
- 1 June 4
- 2 June 5
- 3 June 6
- 4 June 7
- 4.1 How does Swami Nikhilananda criticize Hindu ethics? Do his recommendations for greater emphasis on social justice find a parallel in contemporary Christian thought?
- 4.2 What are Kohlberg's six steps of moral development? How does he establish them?
- 4.3 How dos Kohlberg use his theory of moral development to analyze the My Lai massacre?
- 5 June 11
- 6 June 12
- 6.1 Could we pursue the Eight Fold path as a set of ideals for our moral psychology? How would you respond to someone who criticizes these ideals as a "sucker's strategy"?
- 6.2 Does the pursuit of Buddhist moral ideals require complete selflessness?
- 6.3 Even if we could pursue Buddhist moral ideals as a goal, should we?
- 6.4 How does Aung San Suukyi relate traditional moral teaching on the duties of kings to the transition to democracy in Burma? Which of the duties of kings is particular important for this argument?
- 7 June 13
- 8 June 14
June 4
No Questions for today - Review for Midterm
June 5
No Questions for today - Midterm
June 6
What oare the textual sources for Hindu ethics?
Identify and understand the significance of key concepts, such as: Dharma, Rita, Artha, Kama, Moksha, the castes, and Karma.
What are the four goals of life for a Hindu?
What are some of the key virtues in Hindu ethics?
June 7
How does Swami Nikhilananda criticize Hindu ethics? Do his recommendations for greater emphasis on social justice find a parallel in contemporary Christian thought?
What are Kohlberg's six steps of moral development? How does he establish them?
How dos Kohlberg use his theory of moral development to analyze the My Lai massacre?
June 11
What are the three signs of existence in Buddhism?
The three signs of existence in Buddhism include: 1) Dukkha- says that suffering is an intrinsic aspect of existence. To live in the world is to experience suffering. 2) Anicca- "change"- All life experiences change= impermanence. 3) Anatman- No self/ no soul- There is no stable, permanent idea of one's self. Gfischba
How do Hinduism & Buddhism differ in their views of the self?
Identify and explain the significance of the concepts of dependent origin and Nirvana?
What are the four Noble Truths, the Eight Fold Path, and the Supreme Virtues?
The four noble truths: 1) Suffering is universal 2) Craving/desire is the cause of suffering 3) We can free ourselves from suffering through our actions 4) Follow the 8-fold path
The 8-Fold path= You must follow/accept/pursue the RIGHT: resolve, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Resolve= The right attitude, attention, self-criticism. It is "right thinking/thought" Speech= Ask yourself: "Is it causing harm?" Right speech= sharp language. Right speech= right words. Conduct= The right deeds. Doing good. Livelihood= choosing careers that don't induce suffering Effort= Realizing the capacity to control the mind through the will Mindfulness= Becoming self-reflective, self-aware, becoming patient. Concentration= Mediation; Awareness of the emptiness of the self. "Samadhi"
Supreme Virtues: Compassion, loving-kindness, sympathetic joy, impartiality Compassion: Theraveda- Individual salvation. Mahayama/ bodahisatra= achieving nirvana. Compassion= Achieving personal salvation but helping others alleviate their suffering. ??? Loving-kindness: Seeing all beings in terms of their well-being and progress through enlightenment. Sympathetic Joy: Experiencing deep inter-connectedness with others well-being, others joy/happiness. Impartiality: See all others equally- not becoming indifferent. Realizing that everyone's happiness/suffering is equal. Gfischba
