Buddhist Moral Philosophy
An Introduction

The first book of its kind, Buddhist Moral Philosophy: An Introduction introduces the reader to contemporary philosophical interpretations and analyses of Buddhist ethics. It begins with a survey of traditional Buddhist ethical thought and practice, mainly in the Pali Canon and early Mah?y?na schools, and an account of the emergence of Buddhist moral philosophy as a distinct discipline in the modern world. It then examines recent debates about karma, rebirth and nirvana, well-being, normative ethics, moral objectivity, moral psychology, and the issue of freedom, responsibility and determinism. The book also introduces the reader to philosophical discussions of topics in socially engaged Buddhism such as human rights, war and peace, and environmental ethics.

Introduction Part 1 Buddhist Ethical Thought and Buddhist Moral Philosophy 1 The Teaching of the Buddha 2 The Development of Buddhism 3 What is Buddhist Moral Philosophy? 4 Karma, Rebirth, Nirvana and Other Topics: Some Skeptical Concerns Part 2 Theoretical Topics in Buddhist Moral Philosophy 5 Well-Being 6 Normative Ethics: Buddhist Ethics as a Theory of Right Action 7 Normative Ethics: Anti-Theoretical and Other Interpretations 8 Moral Objectivity 9 Moral Psychology 10 Freedom, Responsibility and Determinism Part 3 Practical Issues in Buddhist Moral Philosophy 11 Social Engaged Buddhism 12 Human Rights 13 Violence, War and Peace 14 Environmental Ethics Bibliography

Christopher W. Gowans is Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University.