THRS 391 - Buddhist Ethics

Unit(s): 4

Many in Europe and the U.S. associate Buddhism with its emphasis on ethical values such as nonviolence and care and concern for animals and the environment, something supported by Buddhist scriptures. This course introduces and examines the role of ethics within Buddhist traditions and teachings by analyzing the theoretical structure of ethical awareness and moral practice in both Theravada and Mahayana traditions, the two classical traditions in Buddhism. It also analyzes practical applications of Buddhist ethics in the contemporary world. We will address questions such as “What constitutes a moral life in Buddhism?” “Is the act of self-immolation non-violent?” “What would be a Buddhist moral response to the use of euthanasia and death penalty?” “Could war and environmental destruction be justified morally according to Buddhist ethical concepts?” “What does Buddhism have to say about homosexuality?” We will read both primary and secondary sources that will provide us etic as well as emic views on Buddhist ethics.

College of Arts and Sciences