An Introduction to Moral Philosophy and Moral Education [Hardcover]

This book presents and argues for a moral theory which draws on most of the major theoretical positions to some degree, but it also spells out the limits and boundaries of a moral theory. In doing so, it exposes a number of common confusions and misunderstandings about morality, and presents a strong argument for some indisputable truths in relation to the moral sphere.

Divided into four parts, the book covers the key issues within moral philosophy:

• part one provides a lucid and powerful account of the nature and limits of moral theory, sharply distinguishing it from religion
• part two outlines a positive moral theory by exploring the defining principles of morality and the reasons for being moral
• part three distinguishes moral values from others such as ecological, health and safety and sexual values
• part four is concerned with the implications of our moral understanding for moral education.

While this book concentrates on argument and ideas, a commentary to each chapter provides historical context and contemporary reference points. It will prove an invaluable resource for students of both Education and Philosophy.

Part 1: Understanding the Nature and Limits of Moral Theory  1. Integrity: A Shared Moral Value  2. Religion, Nature and Intuition as Possible Sources of Moral Truth  3. Some Distinctions and Some Mistakes  4. Rights and Procedures  Part 2: Outline of a Moral Theory  5. Principles that Define Morality  6. Reasons for Being Moral  7. Relativism  8. Second Order Principles  Part 3: Some Implications of the Moral Theory  9. Moral vs. Social, Ecological and Sexual Values  10. Moral vs. Health and Safety Values&lCï