The Theory and Practice of Universal Ethics - The Noahide Laws

by Dr. Rabbi Shimon Dovid Cowen 

CONTENTS

Part 1: The Theory of Universal Ethics

Chapter 1 The Soul: The Human Being in the Image of G-d

Chapter 2 Intellect: Rationality and the Noahide Laws

Chapter 3 Human Personality: The Psychological Matrix of the Noahide Laws .

Chapter 4 Society: Social Policy and the Noahide Laws

Chapter 5 Politics:  States, World Society and the Noahide Laws

Part 2: The Practice of Universal Ethics

Chapter 6 Introduction: Civilization and Sinai

Chapter 7 Belief in G-d

Chapter 8 The Reverence for G-d

Chapter 9 Human Sexuality

Chapter 10 Justice

Chapter 11 Killing

Chapter 12 Theft and Material Harm

Chapter 13 The Treatment of Nature

The United States Congress President in 1991 endorsed a set of seven universal ethical principles, known as the Noahide Laws, as the "bedrock of society since the dawn of civilization" and as values "upon which our great nation was founded." Associated with the name of Noah, with whom this moral code was completed, practiced by Abraham and reiterated at Sinai, these principles constitute the root ethical code of humanity. At a time of great moral and social drift, when both individuals and legislators seek an objective and universal moral compass, these timeless laws have a special relevance and a unifying resonance over different cultures, societies and traditions.

The second part of the book presents the concrete conduct or practice of the Noahide laws. This precise task proceeds from extensive research into the Tradition of commentary on the Revelation at Sinai, of which the Noahide laws (already previously the moral covenant of humanity, but which were authoritatively restated at Sinai) form a part. The way the Noahide Laws in their detail structure the ethical conduct of the major domains of human existence is set out clearly for the general reader; and with extensive footnotes and references for those seeking further study.