Religion 267 - Buddhist Ethics

This course examines historically and culturally diverse examples of Buddhist ethical thought and practice. We will ask: How do Buddhists in different times and places define morality? What motivates individuals and communities to care for one another? How hard is it to be "good"? Why bother? What kinds of persons embody Buddhism's highest ethical ideals? Throughout the course we will contrast classical and contemporary Buddhist ethical ideals, highlighting the ways in which Buddhists critically and creatively engage with their tradition in order to address contemporary challenges such as violence, climate change, and social injustice.