Objective: Compare Consequentialist and Categorical Moral Reasoning with what you know about Christian ethics.
It is not always easy to identify the “right thing to do.” One must rely on one’s worldview to guide one in difficult circumstances. The Christian worldview is one that addresses both the categories (some things are always right and wrong) and consequences (sometimes a situation calls for a personal sacrifice that might otherwise be a categorical wrong on behalf of others or the greatest good). Harvard University’s Michael Sandel offers an engaging introduction into categorical and consequentialist moral reasoning.
Watch:Michael Sandel: Justice Episode 1 (54:56): Justice: What’s The Right Thing To Do? Episode 01 “THE MORAL SIDE OF MURDER” – YouTube
Michael Sandel: Justice Episode 2 (55:09):
Justice: What’s The Right Thing To Do? Episode 02: “PUTTING A PRICE TAG ON LIFE” – YouTube
Reflect on the videos above as you discuss the benefits and pitfalls of Jeremy Bentham’s “utilitarianism” and John Stuart Mill’s attempts to humanize this form of ethics.Consider the points below as you respond: Where do Christian ethics fit into this conversation?
How might the ethics of Jesus both affirm and deny the principles found in both Immanuel Kant’s categorical moral reasoning and Bentham’s consequentialism?
