The Potential of Theology for Ethics

Abstract

This is to be an essay on ‘the potential of theology for ethics’ with special reference to bio-ethics; I am asked to provide a philosopher’s ‘conceptual exposition and analysis of the relationship, significance, and contribution of theology to bio-ethics’ or to ‘normative moral judgment in medicine and health care’. The general topic of the relation of religion or theology to ethics is not new, but perhaps it takes on a somewhat different cast when it is posed by way of the question of what theology can or might do for ethics in the context of contemporary discussion in medical ethics and related fields. I take it that the motivation for the choice of this topic is the fact that many people appeal to theology in these discussions, while others do not or even oppose making such an appeal. With this fact in mind I shall write some prolegomena that may be helpful to anyone reflecting favorably or unfavorably on the use of theology in bio-ethical debate or decision-making.