Includes bibliographical references (p. [427]-459) and index.

Preliminary Material -- Introduction -- The Liberal Potential of Global Ethics Ethics and Religious Faith -- The Nature of Global Ethics -- The Content of Global Ethics -- The Postliberal Potential of Global Ethics The Rational Method: The Aristotelian Line -- The Positive Method: The Augustinian Line -- The Postliberal Approach and Exclusivism -- Encountering Exclusive Difference: A Starting Point for Dialogue -- Concluding Remarks -- References -- Index.

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In the third millennium, people are increasingly being forced to decide how to lead an ethically acceptable life, both nationally and internationally, amidst the radical pluralism of world views. Surprisingly, while the West was a pioneer in the recognition of human rights, its stance towards both exclusivism and difference is distorted. Spurred on the Global Ethic Project of the Catholic theologian Hans Küng, this book searches for a plausible solution to the dilemma of global societal coexistence by carefully analysing the contemporary philosophical discussion. It uncovers the multifaceted ways, in which the standard Western interpretation promotes neutrality towards particular world views, shows why this interpretation is flawed, and presents an alternative with practical implications and an eye towards the global dialogue of cultures.