ETHC 101 – Discussion Board Forum 1

Discussion Board Forum 1 – Thread – ETHC 101 Introduction to Ethics

Module/Week 1 — Introduction, Relativism, and Aristotelian Approaches

Thread: After studying the Reading & Study materials, compose a 500-600 word argument that is objective, carefully-constructed, and free of emotion (and hence it should not contain any exclamation points) in support of your opinion about ethical relativism and Christian ethics. Formulate your argument by answering BOTH of the following questions:

1. Is Christian ethics relativistic or absolutist? Explain your answer.
2. What, if any, are the differences between ethical relativism and the subjective aspects of Christian ethics?

For question 1, answer whether Christian ethics is relativistic or absolutist. First, you should define relativism and absolutism. Don’t simply re-state the reading, but provide an explanation of relativism and absolutism using your own words but also showing that you did the reading and understand the issues. Present the strengths and weaknesses of relativism and how these compare to absolutism. Here you should bring into play the arguments that are discussed in the assigned reading in chapter two of our textbook, Moral Reasoning. You should also incorporate the introduction from our Biblical Ethics textbook. You must read these chapters carefully. Some of the arguments for relativism presented in Moral Reasoning are eventually rejected as fallacious later in the chapter. The more cogent arguments are not presented until the second half of the chapter, where the author sides with the overwhelming majority of ethicists in concluding that ethical relativism is false. You may also read ahead to chapters 8 and 9 in Moral Reasoning, where the author presents a Christian ethic, and you may also consult outside sources. Whichever side you take on the issue, please treat both sides with respect.

For question 2, explain the differences between ethical relativism and the subjective elements in Christian ethics. In addition to the textbooks and academic sources, you are encouraged to incorporate important biblical passages such as Romans 14-15.

You are expected to cite at least one academic source in your DB threads and replies. These sources would include course textbooks, books, journal articles, periodicals, and similar publications. Sources such as Wikipedia and online dictionaries do not count as academic sources and should not be used. Biblical references are encouraged, but will not count as an academic source.

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Reading & Study materials

Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong – Author: Jones – 9781524946562

An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom – ProQuest eBook

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