Reinterpreting the Buddhist Five Precepts for Digital Ethics in Contemporary Vietnam: A Moral Education Perspective

Abstract

This article explores the application of the Buddhist Five Precepts to digital ethics in modern Vietnam, focusing on moral education for youth. Traditionally religious guide- lines, the Precepts can be reinterpreted to address contemporary digital challenges like cyberbullying, misinformation, digital theft, and online addictions. By integrating social philosophy concepts from thinkers like Rawls and MacIntyre, and drawing parallels with Confucian digital ethics, the paper argues for reframing the Precepts as universal ethical tools for fostering responsible digital citizenship in pluralist societies. Vietnam’s cultural blend of Buddhism and rapid digitalization offers a unique case for incorporating these principles into educational curricula. Empirical case studies from Vietnamese youth so- cial media usage and ethical consumption behaviors are analyzed to illustrate real-world applications. This approach not only enhances character education but also contributes to global discussions on ethical technology use.