Tragic Dilemmas in Christian Ethics

Moral dilemmas arise when individuals are unable to fulfill all of their ethical obligations. Tragic dilemmas are moral dilemmas that involve great tragedy. Jackson-Meyer's book explores the thought of Augustine and Aquinas to show the limits of their treatment of hard cases and proposes a new theological understanding of tragic dilemmas rooted in moral philosophy, contemporary case studies, and psychological literature on moral injury. She argues that moral agents choose between conflicting nonnegotiable moral obligations and that personal culpability is mitigated due to constrained situations and society is also culpable when tragic dilemmas are a result of structural sin.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 207 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Georgetown University Press

Moral dilemmas emerge when individuals face circumstances where they are unable to fulfill all their ethical obligations. These dilemmas take a particularly tragic turn when they involve great tragedy. The existence of moral and tragic dilemmas has been a subject of debate in philosophy and often dismissed in theology, with the belief that there exist effective strategies that can completely resolve challenging ethical situations. However, cases from real-life events in war and bioethics provide compelling evidence for the existence of tragic dilemmas.

In her book, "Tragic Dilemmas in Christian Ethics," Jackson-Meyer delves into the thought of Augustine and Aquinas to examine the limitations of their treatment of hard cases and explore where their ideas can be further developed and expanded in relation to tragic dilemmas. She recognizes and develops a new theological understanding of tragic dilemmas, rooted in moral philosophy, contemporary case studies, and psychological literature on moral injury. Jackson-Meyer argues that in tragic dilemmas, moral agents are faced with conflicting nonnegotiable moral obligations, stemming from their Christian commitments to protect human life and the vulnerable. She acknowledges that personal culpability is mitigated due to constrained situations, and society also holds responsibility when tragic dilemmas result from structural sin.

In response, Jackson-Meyer implores Christian communities to offer individual and communal healing after tragic dilemmas and to acknowledge their own participation in injustice. "Tragic Dilemmas in Christian Ethics" provides practical strategies that Christian communities can employ to provide support and healing to those who have been involved in tragic dilemmas and to transform the unjust structures that often contribute to these tragedies.

Through her comprehensive exploration, Jackson-Meyer sheds light on the complexities of moral decision-making and challenges the notion that there are simple solutions to complex ethical dilemmas. Her book offers valuable insights for theologians, philosophers, and individuals seeking to navigate the moral complexities of our world and strive for justice and compassion in the face of tragedy.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647122676