Question

What role would religious beliefs should play in ethical reasoning in the public domain? (at least 3-paragraphs)

Answer 1

The relationship between religion and ethics is about the relationship between revelation and reason. Religion is based in some measure on the idea that God (or some deity) reveals insights about life and its true meaning. These insights are collected in texts (the Bible, the Torah, the Koran, etc.) and presented as “revelation.” Ethics, from a strictly humanistic perspective, is based on the tenets of reason: Anything that is not rationally verifiable cannot be considered justifiable. From this perspective, ethical principles need not derive their authority from religious doctrine. Instead, these principles are upheld for their value in promoting independent and responsible individuals—people who are capable of making decisions that maximize their own well-being while respecting the well-being of others.

It is commonly believed that an individual’s religious beliefs play an important role in ethical decision making because personal values and standards are often related to the individual’s religious background. Individuals who have strong religious beliefs are more likely to follow their religious standards when facing an ethical dilemma. Religious beliefs and practices may provide guidance and direction for people in finding solutions to ethical problems. In several studies it has been indicated that individuals who are strongly committed to their religious beliefs are capable of making decisions according to their moral convictions.That is, it is proposed that individuals with religious beliefs will tend to be more perceptive of ethical problems than those who do not hold religious beliefs. They may be more likely to hold traditional views on ethical issues, to accept universal moral standards, and to be concerned about the welfare of others. Accordingly, there is likely to be a positive association between ethical-reasoning abilities and religious commitment.

I believe we can accommodate the requirements of reason and religion by developing certain qualities that we would bring to our everyday ethical discussions. Aristotle said that cultivating qualities (he called them “virtues”) like prudence, reason, accommodation, compromise, moderation, wisdom, honesty, and truthfulness, among others, would enable us all to enter the discussions and conflicts between religion and ethics—where differences exist—with a measure of moderation and agreement. When ethics and religion collide, nobody wins; when religion and ethics find room for robust discussion and agreement, we maximize the prospects for constructive choices in our society.