Buddhism contains many important and novel ethical ideas and arguments, which are rarely placed in accessible comparative perspective with Western ethical theories. Brad Cokelet's book examines both key Western and Buddhist moral concepts via two key questions: can we achieve moral or ethical knowledge? Can we achieve freedom by acting morally or ethically? It includes essential ethical concepts and theories, examples from the ethics of war, punishment, euthanasia, stoicism and mindfulness, and chapter summaries, annotated further reading and a glossary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buddhism contains many important and novel ethical ideas and arguments, from the centrality of suffering to the ideas of the "no-self" and rebirth. It also includes ideas shared with certain Western ethical theories, such as the importance of character and moral knowledge. However, the two traditions are rarely placed in accessible comparative perspective. "Buddhism, Ethics and the Good Life: A Comparative Introduction" examines both key Western and Buddhist moral concepts via two key questions: can we achieve moral or ethical knowledge? Can we achieve freedom by acting morally or ethically? Brad Cokelet uses the following important topics to unpack and weigh up competing Western and Buddhist theories of ethics and morality: Aristotle's arguments concerning virtue, the good life and the objectivity of moral values; Kant's deontological theories of morality and the good life, and the argument that pure reason as opposed to virtue is the key to moral knowledge and action; the Existentialist argument that there are no moral facts and that morality cannot be grounded in standard philosophical theories of human nature; the Buddhist view that ignorance is the root of immorality and that true moral knowledge and freedom is grounded in metaphysical knowledge of the nature of reality, as opposed to knowledge of moral facts, actions or character traits; criticisms of the Buddhist view, including the "no-self" and how Buddhists make sense of moral responsibility and agency; the idea of re-birth and karma.

Essential ethical concepts and theories

Essential ethical concepts and theories are introduced and explained throughout, including realism, relativism, objectivity, practical wisdom, obligation, agency, and bad faith. A key feature of the book is that it places three major Western moral theories - utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics - in dialogue with each other and with Buddhist ethics. This allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the ethical landscape and helps to identify areas of agreement and disagreement between the two traditions.

The centrality of suffering

One of the central themes of Buddhism is the centrality of suffering. Buddhism teaches that suffering is a fundamental aspect of human existence and that the goal of spiritual practice is to eliminate suffering. This involves developing mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom, which can help individuals to live more fulfilling and ethical lives. Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, which includes actions such as kindness, generosity, and honesty. However, the concept of suffering can be challenging to understand and apply in everyday life.

One of the key challenges facing Buddhism is the idea of the "no-self." The "no-self" is the belief that there is no permanent, essential self that exists apart from the physical body and the mind. This belief can be difficult to grasp and can lead to a sense of disconnection and anxiety. Buddhism offers a range of teachings and practices that can help individuals to overcome the "no-self" and develop a more compassionate and ethical perspective on the world.

Another important ethical concept in Buddhism is the idea of rebirth. Rebirth is the belief that the soul or consciousness can be reborn into different bodies after death. This belief can be challenging to understand and can lead to a sense of fear and uncertainty. Buddhism offers a range of teachings and practices that can help individuals to overcome the fear of rebirth and develop a more compassionate and ethical perspective on the world.

In addition to these ethical concepts, Buddhism also includes a range of ethical practices and principles. These include the Five Precepts, which are a set of ethical guidelines that include abstaining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and intoxication. Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in social and political life, including the importance of social justice, equality, and peace.

Comparing Western and Buddhist ethics

Comparing Western and Buddhist ethics can be challenging due to the different philosophical and cultural backgrounds of the two traditions. However, there are some key similarities and differences between the two traditions. One of the key similarities is the emphasis on ethical conduct and the importance of developing moral knowledge and wisdom. Both traditions recognize the importance of developing a moral character and the importance of acting ethically in everyday life.

Another key similarity is the emphasis on the importance of compassion and kindness. Both traditions recognize the importance of treating others with respect and kindness and of working towards a more just and equitable society. However, there are also some key differences between the two traditions. One of the key differences is the emphasis on the importance of the "no-self" in Buddhism. The "no-self" is the belief that there is no permanent, essential self that exists apart from the physical body and the mind. This belief can be difficult to grasp and can lead to a sense of disconnection and anxiety. In contrast, Western ethics tends to emphasize the importance of the individual and the importance of personal autonomy.

Another key difference is the emphasis on the importance of rebirth in Buddhism. Rebirth is the belief that the soul or consciousness can be reborn into different bodies after death. This belief can be challenging to understand and can lead to a sense of fear and uncertainty. In contrast, Western ethics tends to emphasize the importance of the individual and the importance of personal autonomy.

In addition to these differences, there are also some similarities between the two traditions. One of the similarities is the emphasis on the importance of ethical conduct in social and political life. Both traditions recognize the importance of social justice, equality, and peace and the importance of working towards a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, Buddhism contains many important and novel ethical ideas and arguments, from the centrality of suffering to the ideas of the "no-self" and rebirth. It also includes ideas shared with certain Western ethical theories, such as the importance of character and moral knowledge. However, the two traditions are rarely placed in accessible comparative perspective. "Buddhism, Ethics and the Good Life: A Comparative Introduction" examines both key Western and Buddhist moral concepts via two key questions: can we achieve moral or ethical knowledge? Can we achieve freedom by acting morally or ethically? Brad Cokelet uses the following important topics to unpack and weigh up competing Western and Buddhist theories of ethics and morality: Aristotle's arguments concerning virtue, the good life and the objectivity of moral values; Kant's deontological theories of morality and the good life, and the argument that pure reason as opposed to virtue is the key to moral knowledge and action; the Existentialist argument that there are no moral facts and that morality cannot be grounded in standard philosophical theories of human nature; the Buddhist view that ignorance is the root of immorality and that true moral knowledge and freedom is grounded in metaphysical knowledge of the nature of reality, as opposed to knowledge of moral facts, actions or character traits; criticisms of the Buddhist view, including the "no-self" and how Buddhists make sense of moral responsibility and agency; the idea of re-birth and karma.

Essential ethical concepts and theories

Essential ethical concepts and theories are introduced and explained throughout, including realism, relativism, objectivity, practical wisdom, obligation, agency, and bad faith. A key feature of the book is that it places three major Western moral theories - utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics - in dialogue with each other and with Buddhist ethics. This allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the ethical landscape and helps to identify areas of agreement and disagreement between the two traditions.

The centrality of suffering

One of the central themes of Buddhism is the centrality of suffering. Buddhism teaches that suffering is a fundamental aspect of human existence and that the goal of spiritual practice is to eliminate suffering. This involves developing mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom, which can help individuals to live more fulfilling and ethical lives. Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, which includes actions such as kindness, generosity, and honesty. However, the concept of suffering can be challenging to understand and apply in everyday life.

One of the key challenges facing Buddhism is the idea of the "no-self." The "no-self" is the belief that there is no permanent, essential self that exists apart from the physical body and the mind. This belief can be difficult to grasp and can lead to a sense of disconnection and anxiety. Buddhism offers a range of teachings and practices that can help individuals to overcome the "no-self" and develop a more compassionate and ethical perspective on the world.

Another important ethical concept in Buddhism is the idea of rebirth. Rebirth is the belief that the soul or consciousness can be reborn into different bodies after death. This belief can be challenging to understand and can lead to a sense of fear and uncertainty. Buddhism offers a range of teachings and practices that can help individuals to overcome the fear of rebirth and develop a more compassionate and ethical perspective on the world.

In addition to these ethical concepts, Buddhism also includes a range of ethical practices and principles. These include the Five Precepts, which are a set of ethical guidelines that include abstaining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and intoxication. Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in social and political life, including the importance of social justice, equality, and peace.

Comparing Western and Buddhist ethics

Comparing Western and Buddhist ethics can be challenging due to the different philosophical and cultural backgrounds of the two traditions. However, there are some key similarities and differences between the two traditions. One of the key similarities is the emphasis on ethical conduct and the importance of developing moral knowledge and wisdom. Both traditions recognize the importance of developing a moral character and the importance of acting ethically in everyday life.

Another key similarity is the emphasis on the importance of compassion and kindness. Both traditions recognize the importance of treating others with respect and kindness and of working towards a more just and equitable society. However, there are also some key differences between the two traditions. One of the key differences is the emphasis on the importance of the "no-self" in Buddhism. The "no-self" is the belief that there is no permanent, essential self that exists apart from the physical body and the mind. This belief can be difficult to grasp and can lead to a sense of disconnection and anxiety. In contrast, Western ethics tends to emphasize the importance of the individual and the importance of personal autonomy.

Another key difference is the emphasis on the importance of rebirth in Buddhism. Rebirth is the belief that the soul or consciousness can be reborn into different bodies after death. This belief can be challenging to understand and can lead to a sense of fear and uncertainty. In contrast, Western ethics tends to emphasize the importance of the individual and the importance of personal autonomy.

In addition to these differences, there are also some similarities between the two traditions. One of the similarities is the emphasis on the importance of ethical conduct in social and political life. Both traditions recognize the importance of social justice, equality, and peace and the importance of working towards a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, Buddhism contains many important and novel ethical ideas and arguments, from the centrality of suffering to the ideas of the "no-self" and rebirth. It also includes ideas shared with certain Western ethical theories, such as the importance of character and moral knowledge. However, the two traditions are rarely placed in accessible comparative perspective. "Buddhism, Ethics and the Good Life: A Comparative Introduction" examines both key Western and Buddhist moral concepts via two key questions: can we achieve moral or ethical knowledge? Can we achieve freedom by acting morally or ethically? Brad Cokelet uses the following important topics to unpack and weigh up competing Western and Buddhist theories of ethics and morality: Aristotle's arguments concerning virtue, the good life and the objectivity of moral values; Kant's deontological theories of morality and the good life, and the argument that pure reason as opposed to virtue is the key to moral knowledge and action; the Existentialist argument that there are no moral facts and that morality cannot be grounded in standard philosophical theories of human nature; the Buddhist view that ignorance is the root of immorality and that true moral knowledge and freedom is grounded in metaphysical knowledge of the nature of reality, as opposed to knowledge of moral facts, actions or character traits; criticisms of the Buddhist view, including the "no-self" and how Buddhists make sense of moral responsibility and agency; the idea of re-birth and karma.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138918757