History of ethics in Uppsala

In the beginning of the 20th century theological ethics in Uppsala was regarded as a part of systematic theology. Einar Billing, one of Sweden’s leading researchers in the Lutheran renaissance, was professor with a special responsibility for ethics from 1908 until 1920. His successor, Arvid Runestam (1923–1938) also dedicated most of his research to Lutheran theology and ethics.

In 1938, the discipline was renamed into ‘theological ethics with philosophy of religion’. However, Professors Sigfrid von Engeström (1939–1954) and Herbert Olsson (1954–1966) pursued research with focus on Luther’s moral theology with primarily a historical approach.

During Ragnar Holte’s time as professor (1966–1992), research was reoriented towards contemporary ethics, and moral philosophical theories and methodology were used in the study of theological ethics. In 1974, the discipline was titled ‘ethics, especially social ethics’ and research focused on contemporary Christian social ethics in close dialogue with contemporary political philosophy.

This focus was maintained during Carl-Henric Grenholm’s time as professor of ethics (1992–2012). A large project on the relationship between ethics and economics was conducted. Another large project involved a critical review of Lutheran theology and ethics in a post-Christian society. Theories of justice, feminist ethics, work ethics and environmental ethics became central issues for research within the discipline.

Elena Namli became professor of theological ethics in 2012. Critical theory and research on human rights have been further developed as central areas. The study of how religious traditions contribute to ethics has expanded and now includes Jewish and Islamic ethics.