Guest speaker explores modern Buddhist ethics
Marcelle Stoppay
Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: News
Professor of philosophy at Shippensburg University, Dr. Douglas Birsch, brought his knowledge of Buddhist Ethics to the Haven on Feb. 23 with his presentation "Buddhist Ethics and the New Millennium."
The presentation was made possible by the Lock Haven University Foundation and the Ethics Center.
Shippensburg University did not offer any regularly taught course featuring religion before Birsch's class.
He initiated all of the religion-based courses and teaches three of the four offered.
Birsch currently teaches Ethical Issues and Computer Technology, Comparative Religion, Concepts in Buddhism and the Ethics of War and Terrorism.
Birsch is also the author of "Philosophical Issues: A Brief Introduction" and "Ethical Insights: a brief introduction," as well as the co-editor of "The Ford Pinto Case: a study in Applied Ethics, Business and Society" and "The DC-10 Case: a study in Applied Ethics, Technology and Society."
Before beginning his presentation, Birsch stressed that there are many different kinds and sects of Buddhism. However, it is generally understood and accepted that Buddha is the "awakened one" or the "enlightened one" who founded Buddhism.
Buddhism is based on beliefs that by following the Noble Eightfold path and by eliminating dissatisfaction one can reach nirvana.
According to Buddha's teachings discussed by Birsch, there are the four Noble Truths.
The first Noble Truth is that life is or involves dissatisfaction.
The second Noble Truth is that the origin of dissatisfaction is craving or intense desire.
The third Noble Truth is that dissatisfaction can be eliminated by eradicating craving.
The fourth Noble Truth explains that following the Noble Eightfold Path will lead to the elimination of craving and dissatisfaction.
The Noble Eightfold Path consists of the Right View or understanding of nature and the Noble Truths.
The Right Though or Intent combines the developmental thought, love, kindness and compassion.
The presentation was made possible by the Lock Haven University Foundation and the Ethics Center.
Shippensburg University did not offer any regularly taught course featuring religion before Birsch's class.
He initiated all of the religion-based courses and teaches three of the four offered.
Birsch currently teaches Ethical Issues and Computer Technology, Comparative Religion, Concepts in Buddhism and the Ethics of War and Terrorism.
Birsch is also the author of "Philosophical Issues: A Brief Introduction" and "Ethical Insights: a brief introduction," as well as the co-editor of "The Ford Pinto Case: a study in Applied Ethics, Business and Society" and "The DC-10 Case: a study in Applied Ethics, Technology and Society."
Before beginning his presentation, Birsch stressed that there are many different kinds and sects of Buddhism. However, it is generally understood and accepted that Buddha is the "awakened one" or the "enlightened one" who founded Buddhism.
Buddhism is based on beliefs that by following the Noble Eightfold path and by eliminating dissatisfaction one can reach nirvana.
According to Buddha's teachings discussed by Birsch, there are the four Noble Truths.
The first Noble Truth is that life is or involves dissatisfaction.
The second Noble Truth is that the origin of dissatisfaction is craving or intense desire.
The third Noble Truth is that dissatisfaction can be eliminated by eradicating craving.
The fourth Noble Truth explains that following the Noble Eightfold Path will lead to the elimination of craving and dissatisfaction.
The Noble Eightfold Path consists of the Right View or understanding of nature and the Noble Truths.
The Right Though or Intent combines the developmental thought, love, kindness and compassion.
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