UUSD to host course on Ethics For Our Multicultural World starting May 25 in Lewes
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will host a special five-week course on Ethics for Our Multicultural World from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, starting May 25. The series will be led by Dr. Len Bowman and is open to everyone. The course will attempt to build a Moral GPS to guide complex decision-making. In an obviously multicultural world, this Moral GPS will draw on ethical norms that can be applied across different cultures in order to provide guidance.
Drawing from Bowman’s e-book, “Moral GPS: A Positive Ethic for Our Multicultural World,” the series examines moral decision-making as analogous to driving together on a global Moral Highway. The e-book is provided free of charge to all who participate in the series.
“Moral GPS” builds on the time-honored metaphor of journey for the moral life. But since the moral life is lived together with others, it is a shared journey. And since people all live in the same world, that shared journey is on one global Moral Highway. More than a moral compass is needed on this highway, for a compass can only tell which way is north.
Following the pattern of a simple automotive GPS, the series starts by checking one’s location - where individuals are in their moral life and what’s around them. Next comes deciding where they want to go - goals in their moral life, as well as in a particular decision. Then they choose their route: check out various moral theories and how they relate to each other in helping them arrive at their goal. Now they are ready to go - make a good decision, often together with others. Finally, they want to be sure they have arrived at the destination they sought - in moral terms, accepting accountability for their decision.
Bowman currently teaches at Johns Hopkins University, including the course Ethics for a Multicultural World in the university’s master of liberal arts program. He has taught world religions and the philosophy of religion for over 40 years. He holds a PhD in theology from Fordham University.
Preregistration with name and email address is encouraged by contacting Bowman at LenBowman@gmail.com so the Moral GPS e-book can be emailed to attendees before the series begins. A one-time $10 donation payable at the first class is requested for the series.
The course will be held at UUSD, 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes. Advance registration is not required. Proceeds will support UUSD’s mission to nurture spiritual growth, embrace diversity, work for justice, and strive for a loving world. UUSD is a welcoming and progressive spiritual community. For more information, go to www.uussd.org or contact Bowman at LenBowman@gmail.com.
