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:
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 - Aristotelian, Kantian and Existentialist - in comparison with Buddhist theories, helping the reader identify strengths and weaknesses in both approaches. It also includes examples from the ethics of war, punishment, euthanasia, stoicism and mindfulness to help clarify more abstract moral arguments.
The addition of chapter summaries, annotated further reading and a glossary make this a refreshing, approachable alternative to traditional introductions to ethics and ideal for those studying comparative ethics, in both philosophy and religious studies.
Buy Buddhism, Ethics, and the Good Life: A Comparative Introduction by Bradford Cokelet from Australia's Online Independent Bookstore, BooksDirect.