With over 500 million followers, Buddhism is now the world's fourth largest religion. Over the last seventy years or so there has been a growing interest in Buddhism, and it continues to capture the imagination of many in the West, who see it as either an alternative or a supplement to other religions. This "Very Short Introduction" explores Buddhist ethical perspectives on animals and the environment, sexuality and gender, violence and war, and abortion and euthanasia. This new edition also includes a discussion of the ethical challenges posted by cutting-edge scientific developments in genetics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and transhumanism. -- From publisher's description.

First edition published 2005.

Buddhist morality -- Ethics East and West -- Animals and the environment -- Sexuality and gender -- War, violence, and terrorism -- Abortion -- Suicide and euthanasia -- Clones, cyborgs, and singularities.