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OverviewBuddhism 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 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. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Bradford Cokelet (University of Miami, USA)Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd Imprint: Routledge Edition: Annotated edition ISBN: 9781138918757ISBN 10: 113891875 Pages: 240 Publication Date: 31 December 2023 Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , Tertiary & Higher Education , General Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsIntroduction Character-based Realism Character-based Freedom and Virtue Constructive Knowledge: Enlightenment Within the Reach of All Constructive Freedom and Virtue Scepticism about Ethical Knowledge Existential Freedom: No Way Out Appropriating Buddhism The Buddhist Connections: Knowledge, Virtue, Freedom Making Buddhism a Live Option ConclusionReviewsAuthor InformationBradford Cokelet is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Miami, USA Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |