Orthodox Philosophy & Ethics
7 topics
ImportantOrthodox Philosophy & EthicsCanon LawThe body of ecclesiastical law governing the Church: Apostolic Canons, canons of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, canons of local councils and individual Fathers. Canons are applied with 'oikonomia' (pastoral flexibility) or 'akribia' (strict adherence) depending on circumstances. The Rudder (Pedalion) by St. Nikodemos is the standard Greek collection.ImportantOrthodox Philosophy & EthicsOrthodox Understanding of PersonhoodDrawing from Trinitarian theology, Orthodoxy understands the human person as relational, free, and unique: made in the image of the Trinitarian God. Personhood (hypostasis) is not reducible to nature, individuality, or social role. The Cappadocian distinction between person and nature has profound implications for anthropology, ethics, and social theory.Orthodox Philosophy & EthicsEcumenism & Inter-Christian DialogueThe Orthodox relationship with other Christian bodies is complex. Official participation in the World Council of Churches (since 1948) coexists with strong anti-ecumenist movements within Orthodoxy. The goal is not compromise but witness to the fullness of apostolic truth. Bilateral dialogues exist with Roman Catholics, Oriental Orthodox, and Lutherans. The tension between 'ecclesiological exclusivism' and 'pastoral openness' remains unresolved.Orthodox Philosophy & EthicsOikonomia (Pastoral Economy)The principle of pastoral flexibility in applying Church canons: adapting the strict rule (akribia) to the needs and circumstances of the individual for the sake of their salvation. The bishop exercises oikonomia. It does not change doctrine but applies mercy in discipline. Example: receiving converts by Chrismation rather than re-baptism.Orthodox Philosophy & EthicsOrthodox BioethicsOrthodox positions on bioethical issues: life begins at conception (opposing abortion); euthanasia is rejected (suffering has redemptive value); organ donation is generally accepted as an act of love; IVF raises concerns about embryo destruction; cloning is rejected. The sanctity of human life from conception to natural death is foundational.Orthodox Philosophy & EthicsOrthodoxy & Hellenistic PhilosophyThe Church Fathers 'baptized' Greek philosophy: using Platonic, Aristotelian, and Stoic concepts to articulate Christian truth while rejecting pagan theology. Key syntheses: Ousia/Hypostasis terminology (Cappadocians), logos theology (Justin Martyr), apophatic method (Pseudo-Dionysius). Orthodoxy insists philosophy serves theology, not the reverse: 'philosophy is the handmaid of theology.'Orthodox Philosophy & EthicsOrthodox Social TeachingOrthodoxy does not have a single social encyclical tradition like Catholicism, but derives social principles from theology: the dignity of the person (image of God), the common good (koinonia), care for the poor (Matthew 25), stewardship of creation, the limits of state authority, and the primacy of spiritual over material values. Recent documents: Russian Church's 'Bases of the Social Concept' (2000).