ETH 230: Ethical Dilemmas in Islamic Contexts is a profound 14-week journey into the complexities of moral decision-making within the Islamic tradition. This course delves into the intricate processes of Islamic ethical reasoning (fiqh) when faced with contemporary dilemmas, ranging from medical ethics to environmental challenges, financial decisions, and social justice issues. Students will engage with case studies, classical juristic discourse, and modern scholarly debates to understand how Islamic jurisprudence navigates through ethical conundrums, balancing between textual imperatives and the changing demands of context.
Overall Objectives:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the principles and methodologies used in Islamic ethical reasoning.
- Apply the concepts of Maqasid al-Shariah (objectives of Islamic law) to various ethical dilemmas.
- Analyze the interplay between Islamic legal maxims and ethical decision-making.
- Evaluate the responses of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars to modern ethical issues.
- Assess the role of Ijtihad (independent reasoning) and its significance in ethical deliberations.
- Discuss the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies and biomedical advances through an Islamic lens.
- Explore the ethical considerations in economic transactions and financial dealings in Islam.
- Investigate the moral imperatives of environmental stewardship within the Islamic worldview.
- Examine the challenges of upholding ethical standards in pluralistic societies.
- Synthesize Islamic ethical teachings to develop coherent responses to moral dilemmas in various fields.
