Hinduism: Dialogue between Hinduism and ethics

This topic explores the intersection of Hindu ethical traditions with contemporary moral issues, examining how concepts like dharma, karma, and ahimsa inform Hindu responses to questions of war, environmental ethics, and bioethics. Students will analyse classical texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Laws of Manu, alongside modern thinkers like Gandhi and Radhakrishnan, to understand how Hinduism engages with ethical dilemmas. The dialogue between Hinduism and ethics is crucial for AQA A-Level Religious Studies as it demonstrates how a major world religion applies its core beliefs to real-world problems, fostering critical thinking about moral reasoning across cultures.

The topic is divided into key areas: the foundations of Hindu ethics (dharma, karma, moksha), applied ethics (war, environment, medical ethics), and the role of scripture and tradition in moral decision-making. Students must evaluate the diversity within Hinduism—from orthodox to reformist perspectives—and consider how concepts like ahimsa (non-violence) and seva (selfless service) shape ethical practice. This dialogue is not merely theoretical; it challenges students to assess the coherence and relevance of Hindu ethics in a globalised world, preparing them for exam questions that require nuanced argumentation.

Mastery of this topic requires understanding that Hinduism is not monolithic; ethical views vary by sect, region, and historical period. The dialogue between Hinduism and ethics thus involves comparing different interpretations (e.g., the Gita's justification of war vs. Gandhi's pacifism) and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. This topic also connects to broader themes in Religious Studies, such as the relationship between religion and morality, and the challenge of applying ancient texts to modern issues.