MA Contemporary Ethics

Programme Convenor: Dr Anna Abram

Link to Programme Specification

Brief Description of Programme

The Programme relates Christian Ethics to contemporary debate and addresses the relationship between questions raised in contemporary society and the insights of the classical Christian tradition and modern ethical analysis. It offers points of contact between related disciplines such as Ethics and Political Philosophy. The particular focus of the programme is prompted by the emergence of new and complex ethical questions which arise from rapid cultural and technological changes in the modern world. While the moral dimension of cultural change cannot be ignored, the rapidity of this change means that society is uncertain about how to handle its development. This MA programme aims to establish links between the Christian moral tradition and ethical questions relevant to the emerging social context. Among the complex issues are moral questions raised by genetics; cultural pluralism and social consensus; the role of religious traditions in social policies; just distribution and the market; practical issues in the business world; the rights and responsibilities of the human person. A point of innovation is the inclusion of a study of moral development.

The Programme is suitable for teachers of Religious Education at secondary level, those engaged in ministries concerned with evangelisation, those whose professional occupation requires ethical reflection, particularly health workers and those interested in making an informed contribution to contemporary social and ethical debate.

As a part-time degree taught in the evening, it enables a wide range of people to undertake serious study of contemporary theology and ethical enquiry into moral questions and issues.