The purpose of this book is to formulate a way of thinking about issues of power, moral identity, and ethical norms by developing a theory of responsibility from a specifically theological viewpoint; the author thereby makes clear the significance for Christian commitment of current reflection on moral responsibility. The concept of responsibility is relatively new in ethics, but the drastic extension of human power through various technological developments has lately thrown into question the way human beings conceive of themselves as morally accountable agents. It is this radical extension of power in our time which poses the need for a new paradigm of responsibility in ethics. Schweiker engages in an informed way with what is therefore a highly topical discussion. By developing a coherent theory of responsibility, and inquiring as to its source, the author demonstrates the unique contribution of Christian faith to ethics in our time.

Schweiker develops a powerful new theory of responsibility articulated in terms of Christian faith.
Reviews
'... admirably fulfils the intention of the series to engage the secular debate at the highest possible intellectual level ... his range of reference is wide as he roots his enquiry in contemporary moral philosophy as well as theological ethics, bringing them into a necessary dialogue ...'. Theology
' ... deserves serious attention from anyone in the fields of ethics or moral theology, and it will be essential reading for anyone who is interested in responsibility ethics.' Modern Theology
'This book makes an important contribution to the continuing debate about Christian ethics and post modernism.' Theological Book Review
'Schweiker handles this extremely complex topic with an analytical care, breadth, and synthetic imagination unsurpassed in the literature on responsibility. He provides a broad philosophical framework within which responsibility can be fruitfully interpreted, a tightly constructed theory of responsibility based on a notion of integrity, and an account of the theistic source of responsibility ... It is a brilliant and creative synthesis that ought to and will be read by anyone seriously concerned about the nature, source, and implications of responsibility.' Theological Studies
'Schweiker's book is ambitious in scope and provocative in its constructive proposal. It should be read by many ethicists and by all theological ethicists. It could become a benchmark proposal for theological ethics.' The Journal of Religion



Book Information
ISBN 9780521657099
Author William Schweiker
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 320g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 15mm