The objective of ethical discussion is the clarification of moral conflicts. To be able to reach responsible decisions, it is necessary above all to weigh up the goods and claims concerned in a well-founded manner. The authors approach the manifold achievements of rational appraisal from an historical and systematic perspective. The first section examines classical and medieval sources for ethics. The second part discusses modern contributions, fundamental questions of analysis and scientific theory, and contemporary areas of conflict. Furthermore, the study throws light on the question of appraisal in the context of religious studies and the philosophy of religion.
