Ethics: History Theory and Contemporary Issues

About this book

Ethics: History Theory and Contemporary Issues Fifth Edition features sixty-nine selections organized into three parts providing instructors with great flexibility in designing and teaching a variety of courses in moral philosophy. Spanning 2 500 years of ethical theory the first part Historical Sources ranges from ancient Greece to the twentieth century. It moves from classical thought through medieval views to modern theories culminating with leading nineteenth- and twentieth-century thinkers. The second part Modern Ethical Theory includes many of the most important essays of the past century. The discussion of utilitarianism Kantianism egoism and relativism continues in the work of major contemporary philosophers while landmark selections reflect concern with moral language and the justification of morality. The concepts of duty justice and rights are explored as well as recent views on cultural relativism and an ethic influenced by feminist concerns. In the third part Contemporary Moral Problems the readings present the current debates over abortion euthanasia famine relief animal rights environmentalism and the use of torture in interrogations as well as essays on death and the meaning of life. Wherever possible each reading is printed in its entirety. The fifth edition features new readings from Cicero Barbara Herman and Judith Jarvis Thomson; an expanded selection from Joseph Butlers Fifteen Sermons; and a new translation of Kants Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals.