Ethical Issues In Judaism

Introduction

Ethics are a set of principles that guide us in what is morally right and wrong when making judgements in situations. Making an ethical decision involves considering the needs of all parties involved in order to create a compromise that benefits as many of these interests as possible. An individual’s ethics are shaped by many influencing factors, such as religion. The perspective on ethics differs between religions, which can be seen when comparing Judaism and Buddhism. In the case of electric cars becoming mandatory by 2030, the Greens Political Party must consider competing interests surrounding the dilemma, which are economic, environmental and the effect on small business. In ethical decisions there are negative consequences

“Tend well to the earth, for there will be no one to make it right after you.” (Midrash, Talmud). This is understood to mean that God gave a mission to mankind to care for the environment he has created for them. Tikkun Olam - repair the world – is a concept of Judaism that is interpreted as the idea that fixing and perfecting the world is in humanity’s hands, encouraging conservation of the environment. Halacha involves absolute commitment to sustaining and respecting the earth and the environment. The main ways in which followers of Judaism are guided to take part in protecting the planet and its resources are through carefully considering real needs before making a purchase, not causing undue pain to animal life, and saving the lives of future generations. The Torah prohibits the extinction of species and causing unnecessary pain to other living organisms. God has created every creature with a purpose, which humanity may or may not know. Justice for future generations of human life is also an important aspect of the Torah. The Torah gives an obligation to save human life. This can relate to the environmental message that we must care for the earth or future generations will no longer be able to sustain themselves here. The Tzadek concept in the Torah demands that we “create a worldwide economy that is sustainable and that is equitable in the

These teachings are communicated via the Noble Eightfold Path and precepts, as well as the overarching concept of Karma. Environmental change was not seen as an issue during Buddha’s life, so there are no specific teachings on the matter; however, Buddha recognised that the actions of his followers could have an effect on the community and environment around them. Some forms of Buddhism teach the idea that everything is inter-related, an example being that humanity relies on nature and nature relies of humanity. Buddhists believe that harming a part of nature has an effect on the remainder of the environment, and on the people living in it. Buddha prohibited his monks and nuns from disrupting the habitat of, or killing another living creature. Buddhism teaches that the whole world will benefit if humanity decides to live in harmony with the environment. At the Assisi Declaration in 1986, the representative of Buddhism declared the need for all people to respect the environment and wildlife, which falls in line with many statements in the Noble Eightfold Path. The Path is the guide to escape the suffering of rebirth and become enlightened. Right Mindfulness, in the case of environmental issues, means to prevent causing damage to nature and organisms. Right Action is to act in a way such that the environment and its inhabitants are not negatively impacted. Right Effort is to work to make a