Buddhist Ethics and the Philosophical Analysis of Contemporary Child and Youth Problems
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Abstract
This article aims to: 1) analyze the causes and characteristics of problems among children and youth in contemporary Thai society; 2) propose approaches to addressing these problems through the application of Buddhist principles; and 3) explain the role of Buddhism as a framework of social ethics capable of elevating moral problem-solving from the individual to the structural and cultural level.
The study reveals that the problems of children and youth are not merely personal behaviors but manifestations of crises in social, economic, and familial systems lacking moral balance. Core Buddhist teachings such as the Five Precepts, the Four Divine States (Brahmavihāra), the Four Bases of Success (Iddhipāda), and the Four Virtues for Household Life (Gharāvāsa-dhamma) can serve as guiding principles for nurturing virtue and fostering mental resilience among the young. At the same time, these principles cultivate a sense of social responsibility grounded in the “Ethics of Compassion,” which emphasizes the interdependent relationship between self and others. When integrated into families, schools, and communities, these Buddhist values can reduce risk behaviors, promote the development of morally grounded citizens, and contribute to a peaceful and sustainable society.
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