Ethics Discovering Right and Wrong [Paperback]

ETHICS: DISCOVERING RIGHT AND WRONG, 8E is a conversational and non-dogmatic overview of ethical theory. Written by one of contemporary philosophy's top teachers and revised by a best selling author, this textbook even-handedly raises important ethical questions and challenges students to develop their own moral theories by applying them. 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 easy to read chapters that introduce 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. Study questions for each chapter, along with useful bibliographies, make grasping the material more accessible than ever.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 Utilitarianism. Act- and Rule-Utilitarianism. Criticism of Utilitarianism. Criticism of Ends Justifying Immoral Means. Conclusion. 8. KANT AND DEONTOLOGICAL THEORIES. Kant's Influences. l“O