An Introduction to EthicsThis book examines the central questions of ethics through a study of theories of right and wrong that are found in the great ethical works of Western philosophy. It focuses on theories that continue to have a significant presence in the field. The core chapters cover egoism, the eudaimonism of Plato and Aristotle, act and rule utilitarianism, modern natural law theory, Kant's moral theory, and existentialist ethics. Readers will be introduced not only to the main ideas of each theory but to contemporary developments and defenses of those ideas. A final chapter takes up topics in meta-ethics and moral psychology. The discussions throughout draw the reader into philosophical inquiry through argument and criticism that illuminate the profundity of the questions under examination. Students will find this book to be a very helpful guide to how philosophical inquiry is undertaken as well as to what the major theories in ethics hold. |
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achieving act utilitarianism acting lawfully Adeimantus affirm answer appetite apply argument Aristotle Aristotle’s thesis autonomy basic standards benefits Categorical Imperative circumstances conception conclusions conflict Consequently consists decision defenders define deontological determine difficulty distinction divine command theory doctrine of radical egoism ethical theory eudaimonism exercise existentialist ethics explain find first fulfilling Glaucon God’s hedonism Hence Hobbes Hobbes’s human action humankind Hume’s hypothetical imperative idea ideal identifies intentional action justice and honesty Kant Kant’s ethics lives matter maxim means meta-ethical Mill’s moral law motives Nicomachean Ethics objects one’s actions performers of right philosophers Plato’s pleasure powers practical reason practical thought premiss Principle of Utility procedure psychological egoism psychological hedonism pursuit question radical choice rational agent realize reflection reliable performers requires right action right and wrong rule utilitarianism someone Specifically standards of justice standards of right sufficient teleological theory’s things Thrasymachus ultimate end understanding universal law well-being yields