Responsibility and Christian Ethics

Schweiker develops a powerful new theory of responsibility articulated in terms of Christian faith.

William Schweiker (Author)

9780521657099, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 March 1999

272 pages
21.6 x 13.8 x 1.5 cm, 0.32 kg

'Schweiker's book is ambitious in scope and provocative in its constructive proposal. It should be read by many ethicists and by all theological ethicists. It could become a benchmark proposal for theological ethics.' The Journal of Religion

The purpose of this book is to formulate a way of thinking about issues of power, moral identity, and ethical norms by developing a theory of responsibility from a specifically theological viewpoint; the author thereby makes clear the significance for Christian commitment of current reflection on moral responsibility. The concept of responsibility is relatively new in ethics, but the drastic extension of human power through various technological developments has lately thrown into question the way human beings conceive of themselves as morally accountable agents. It is this radical extension of power in our time which poses the need for a new paradigm of responsibility in ethics. Schweiker engages in an informed way with what is therefore a highly topical discussion. By developing a coherent theory of responsibility, and inquiring as to its source, the author demonstrates the unique contribution of Christian faith to ethics in our time.

General editor's preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part I. The Context of Responsibility: 1. Responsibility and moral confusion
2. A new ethics of responsibility
Part II. The Theory of Responsibility: 3. The idea of responsibility
4. Theories of responsibility
5. Moral values and the imperative of responsibility
6. Freedom and responsibility
7. Responsibility and moral identity
Part III. The Source of Responsibility: 8. Power, responsibility, and the divine
9. Responsibility and Christian ethics
Notes
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]