Ethics: Discovering Right and Wrong [Paperback]

ETHICS: DISCOVERING RIGHT AND WRONG, 8E offers students an engaging and comprehensive overview of ethical theory. Written by one of contemporary philosophy's top teachers and revised by a best selling author, this textbook combines a conversational and non-dogmatic approach with strong supporting pedagogy. By even-handedly raising critical questions drawn from both classical and contemporary sources, this edition challenges students to develop their own moral theories and apply them to today's ethical problems. This revision also presents an even broader presentation of various positions, featuring more feminist and multicultural perspectives as well. ETHICS: DISCOVERING RIGHT AND WRONG, 8E begins with chapters orienting students to questions of meta-ethics and major moral theories. Later chapters address special topics in personal and religious ethics as well as the most recent developments in moral theory, including a new chapter on Biology and Ethics. Useful bibliographies and study questions for each chapter aid students in grasping the material and delving deeper into philosophy.1. WHAT IS ETHICS? Ethics and Its Subdivisions. Morality as Compared with Other Normative Subjects. Traits of Moral Principles. Domains of Ethical Assessment. Conclusion. 2. ETHICAL RELATIVISM. Subjective Ethical Relativism. Conventional Ethical Relativism. Criticisms of Conventional Ethical Relativism. Conclusion. 3. MORAL OBJECTIVISM. Aquinas' Objectivism and Absolutism. Moderate Objectivism. Ethical Situationalism. Conclusion. 4. VALUE AND THE QUEST FOR THE GOOD. Types of Values. Foundational Nature of Values. The Good Life. Conclusion. 5. SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY AND THE MOTIVE TO BE MORAL. Why Does Society Need Moral Rules? Why Should I Be Moral? Morality, Self-Interest, and Game Theory. The Motive to Always Be Moral. Conclusion. 6. EGOISM, SELF-INTEREST, AND ALTRUISM. Psychological Egoism. Ethical Egoism. Arguments Against Ethical Egoism. Conclusion. 7. UTILITARIANISM. Classic Utilil£®