The course studies the basic structure of the fundamental moral law in the Judaeo-Christian tradition embodied in the “Decalogue” of the Old law, and in its fulfillment in “Law of Love” proposed by Jesus. It also examines the significance of this fundamental moral law in our post-modern, post-Christian world of today. Through selected films, the course studies moral decision-making and moral action and their meaning for the men and women of today. Popular Morality in Films
The influence of films on morality is unquantifiable. Films are not merely modes of entertainment; these are critical sources and channels of moral formation and information. Through films moral values are shaped, ethical perspectives are presented and different forms of knowledge are shared. Audiences can have profound engagement with the basic questions about human nature and society, refining one’s orientation toward morality. Morality drawn from film narratives, however, acquire a particular form of popularity which needs to be evaluated from the Church’s moral tradition. The seminar intends to provide the students with methods of moral analysis in the context of different film narratives, how moral principles function as references for moral evaluation, and how Christian ethics could provide a holistic view of evaluating strands of morality in films.
