Religious Education: Area of Study 2: Religion and Ethics

Religion and ethics

In this area of study students examine religious ethical perspectives and other influences on moral judgments of at least two religious traditions in societies where multiple worldviews coexist. They also explore the philosophical traditions which have contributed to each religion’s understanding of ethics. Certain authorities, values, norms, ideas, and ethical principles inform broad ethical perspectives and in turn moral judgments within religious and philosophical traditions. Other aspects of religion, in particular beliefs and texts, inform the decision-making process for religious traditions.

Key knowledge

• the authorities, principles, values, norms and ideas informing ethical perspectives of at least two religious traditions in societies in which multiple worldviews coexist
• the ethical decision-making methods, including the philosophical traditions that have influenced the understanding of ethical perspectives of the religious traditions
• how the ethical perspectives of religious traditions inform the moral judgments of their religious communities
• the aspects of religion related to ethical decision-making processes in religious traditions.

Key skills

• identify the authorities, principles, values, norms and ideas informing ethical perspectives of religious traditions
• explain the ethical decision-making methods that have informed the ethical perspectives of religious traditions
• explain how the ethical perspectives of religious traditions inform the moral judgments of their religious communities
• interpret, synthesise and apply primary and secondary source material.