Theological ethics includes moral theology (fundamental morality as well as special moral theology [i.e., applied theological ethics]) and social ethics. It is dedicated to the scientific reflection of questions on an individual ethical level (moral theology), of ethical issues on the social level (social ethics) as well as the interaction between the two levels.

Theological ethics works with scientific methods and standards in front of a Christian faith founded meaning-horizon. Like every concrete ethical judgment and action, it requires an encompassing horizon of meaning, which it makes transparent. Connected with this, theological ethics also considers the ability to connect to the philosophical-ethical discourse.

The profile of the Chair of Theological Ethics characterizes the research and teaching of the staff on the main research areas, the Lucerne Graduate School in Ethics LGSE and the Lucerne Summer University: Ethics in a Global Context LSUE under the patronage of UNESCO.