Telling the story: ethics and dying

Area of Science:

• Theology and Ethics
• Philosophy of Life

Background:

• Traditional ethical frameworks (utilitarian, principlist, situationist) may be insufficient.
• Viewing life as a narrative offers an alternative perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the connection between storytelling, theology, religion, and ethics.
• To examine how a life lived is understood as character.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of ethical theories.
• Philosophical exploration of life as story and character.

Main Results:

• Life can be understood as a narrative, with character shaping responses.
• Death represents a final decision point, affirming or refuting a life's narrative.

Conclusions:

• Character, developed through life's story, is crucial for ethical responses, especially at death.
• A narrative approach to ethics enriches theological and religious perspectives.