Explore the complex moral philosophy underlying criminal law and understand how deep ethical frameworks dictate the ultimate boundaries of life, death, and human justice.
“Why is murder wrong?” is not just a legal question — it is one of the deepest philosophical problems in ethics. This seminar takes participants through foundational theories of moral philosophy that attempt to answer this question from radically different perspectives. From Nietzsche’s power-based ethics to Kant’s rational duty, from Bentham’s utilitarian calculation to Gilligan’s ethics of care, participants will explore how competing moral frameworks shape our understanding of law, responsibility, and human value. The session also examines skeptical and nihilistic critiques of morality, before concluding with Levinas’ idea of ethics as a first philosophy grounded in responsibility to the Other. This is a thought-provoking exploration designed to challenge assumptions and deepen understanding of the ethical foundations underpinning legal systems.
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Rabbi, Professor of Philosophy and Religion
Rabbi Michael Gold is the author of seven books, most recently a novel The Rabbi’s Sex Class published by ShelteringTree.Earth LLC. He is a native of Los Angeles, CA. Rabbi Gold assumed the pulpit of Temple Beth Shalom in Boca Raton, FL in July, 2022. He is Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek in Tamarac, FL, having served the congregation 32 years. Previously he served congregations in Nyack, NY and Pittsburgh, PA. Rabbi Gold received his PhD from Florida Atlantic University with a dissertation on process philosophy and Jewish mysticism. He is an adjunct professor of philosophy, religion, and Jewish studies at three colleges. He has lectured around the country and abroad on Jewish sexual ethics, family life, and science and spirituality Rabbi Michael and Evelyn Gold are the parents of three children and grandparents of one grandson.
