Intersections of Religion and Ethics: A Philosophical Analysis within Islamic Thought

Müfit Selim Saruhan

This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the complex and multifaceted relationship between ethics and religion, offering a nuanced analysis of the various philosophical and theological views regarding their intersection and independence. It examines how religious doctrines, such as divine commandments, shape moral values like good and evil, justice, and virtue, while also considering perspectives that argue for the possibility of grounding moral principles outside of religious frameworks. The paper contrasts different schools of thought from both Western and Islamic traditions, including Kantian ethics, which emphasizes duty and the necessity of belief in God to uphold moral principles, as well as ethical theories that assert the sufficiency of reason, human nature, and social agreements for moral guidance. The Islamic view, represented by theological schools such as the Mu’tazila, Ash’ari, and Maturidi, presents a wide range of positions, from the belief in moral values existing independently of God’s will to the assertion that morality is inherently tied to divine command. These perspectives are juxtaposed with Western philosophical traditions, including the moral autonomy argued by thinkers like Hobbes, Kant, and Hume, who contend that moral obligations can arise from human reason, societal contracts, or natural laws. Additionally, the paper delves into the role of religious belief in motivating ethical actions, examining arguments that suggest faith can inspire moral behavior by grounding it in a higher divine authority, while also considering critiques that question the necessity of religious belief for moral action. Through these discussions, the paper provides a comprehensive examination of the ethical frameworks proposed by both religious and non-religious traditions, highlighting their interplay and potential for mutual reinforcement or divergence.

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