Synopses & Reviews
The purpose of this book is to formulate a way of thinking about issues of power, moral identity, and ethical norms by developing a theory of responsibility from a specifically theological viewpoint; the author thereby makes clear the significance for Christian commitment of current reflection on moral responsibility. The concept of responsibility is relatively new in ethics, but the drastic extension of human power through various technological developments has lately thrown into question the way human beings conceive of themselves as morally accountable agents. It is this radical extension of power in our time which poses the need for a new paradigm of responsibility in ethics. Schweiker engages in an informed way with what is therefore a highly topical discussion. By developing a coherent theory of responsibility, and inquiring as to its source, the author demonstrates the unique contribution of Christian faith to ethics in our time.
Review
"...an erudite and crisply coherent work, worthy of sustained and careful reflection." Choice"Moral philosophers, both Christian and secular...can learn from Schweiker." Faith and Philosophy"...and erudite and crisply coherent work, worthy of sustained and careful reflection." Choice"Schweiker, theological ethicist at the University of Chicago, handles this extremely complex topic with an analytic care, breadth, and synthetic imagination unsurpassed in the literature on responsibility. He provides a broad philosophical framework within which responsibility can be fruitfully interpreted, a tightly constructed theory of responsibility based on a notion of integrity, and an account of the theistic source of responsibility....It is a brilliant and creative synthesis that ought to and will be read by anyone seriously concerned about the nature, source, and implications of responsibility." Stephen Pope, Theological Studies"This erudite, intelligent, and stimulating book concerns a very basic and important moral concept, and it will reward the attention of students of Christian ethics at the postgraduate level and beyond." Nigel Biggar, Religious Stuides Review"...formulate a way of thinking about issues of power, moral identity, and ethical norms in terms of a new and specifically theological theory of moral responsibility." Nigel Biggar, Religious Studies Review"This book reflects incredible erudition. Schweiker's analysis shows an awe-inspiring breadth of knowledge and his proposal is...a particularly interesting presentation of Neo-Kantian ethics." William Danaher, Anglican Theological Review
Review
'... admirably fulfils the intention of the series to engage the secular debate at the highest possible intellectual level ... his range of reference is wide as he roots his enquiry in contemporary moral philosophy as well as theological ethics, bringing them into a necessary dialogue ...'. Theology
Review
' ... deserves serious attention from anyone in the fields of ethics or moral theology, and it will be essential reading for anyone who is interested in responsibility ethics.' Modern Theology
Review
'This book makes an important contribution to the continuing debate about Christian ethics and post modernism.' Theological Book Review
Review
'Schweiker handles this extremely complex topic with an analytical care, breadth, and synthetic imagination unsurpassed in the literature on responsibility. He provides a broad philosophical framework within which responsibility can be fruitfully interpreted, a tightly constructed theory of responsibility based on a notion of integrity, and an account of the theistic source of responsibility ... It is a brilliant and creative synthesis that ought to and will be read by anyone seriously concerned about the nature, source, and implications of responsibility.' Theological Studies
Review
'Schweiker's book is ambitious in scope and provocative in its constructive proposal. It should be read by many ethicists and by all theological ethicists. It could become a benchmark proposal for theological ethics.' The Journal of Religion
Synopsis
William Schweiker formulates a way of thinking about issues of power, moral identity, and ethical norms by developing a theory of responsibility from a specifically theological viewpoint. The drastic extension of human power through various technological developments has lately thrown into question the way human beings conceive of themselves as morally accountable agents. This radical extension of power poses the need for a new paradigm of responsibility in ethics, located by the author in Christian faith.
Synopsis
Current ethics is confronted by the drastic extension of human power through technological development. This radical extension of power demands a new paradigm of responsibility in ethics. By developing a coherent theory of responsibility, Schweiker shows the unique contribution of Christian faith to ethics in our time.
Table of Contents
General editor's preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Part I. The Context of Responsibility: 1. Responsibility and moral confusion; 2. A new ethics of responsibility; Part II. The Theory of Responsibility: 3. The idea of responsibility; 4. Theories of responsibility; 5. Moral values and the imperative of responsibility; 6. Freedom and responsibility; 7. Responsibility and moral identity; Part III. The Source of Responsibility: 8. Power, responsibility, and the divine; 9. Responsibility and Christian ethics; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.