Moral and Ethical Issues in Society
This domain applies religious and moral reasoning to issues in society. Questions often ask you to compare Christian, Islamic and ATR perspectives and reach a judgement. Answers should identify the issue, explain relevant teaching and assess it.
Key issues
- Corruption: bribery and theft violate justice; Christian, Muslim and ATR ethics all condemn it.
- Human rights and gender: dignity of the person; debates over equality in family and public life.
- Life issues: abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment - sanctity of life against other considerations.
- Health: HIV/AIDS stigma and care for the sick.
- Environment: stewardship (Christian), khalifa (Islam) and respect for land (ATR).
- War and peace: just war reasoning versus pacifism; jihad rules on protecting non-combatants.
- Media and drugs: influence, addiction and responsibility.
Worked example
Question: 'Evaluate a religious response to corruption.' Reasoning: define the act, give one teaching from each tradition - for example, 'You shall not steal', the Qur'anic command not to devour wealth unjustly, and ATR's concern for communal harmony - then weigh the response and conclude.
Traps
- Giving only one religion's view when comparison is asked.
- Confusing legality with morality.
- Asserting an opinion without a reason or teaching.