Three Case Studies: Continuity and Diversity in Contemporary Jewish Ethics

This chapter explores three contemporary issues—sexual ethics, abortion, and war—from the perspectives of several Jewish ethicists. Each ethicist’s assumptions and methods are analyzed to illustrate both the diversity of approaches that characterize contemporary Jewish ethics, and the ways in which each approach preserves elements of the classical tradition. Finally, the chapter notes the ways in which each debate exemplifies key methodological issues facing contemporary Jewish ethicists.