Ethics

By Noel Stewart

Subjects: Ethics

Description: This book provides a much needed, straightforward introduction to moral philosophy. It will particularly benefit students following courses containing an ethics module, including philosophy from AS level onwards, religious studies, law and medicine, but it has also been aimed at any reader puzzled by moral disputes and dilemmas. The book is written in an easy and approachable style and is packed with lively examples from everyday life. The first section clearly explains and assesses the arguments for and against the rival moral theories of utilitarianism, Kant, divine command theory and virtue ethics. The second section develops this by analysing the conflicting advice each moral theory gives regarding four controversial areas of life, namely euthanasia, abortion, animal rights and the environment. The final section concludes with an account of the vital debate concerning whether the difference between right and wrong is an objective fact discovered by us - for example, gravity - or is instead a human creation and invented by us - for example, tax laws. Throughout the book moral arguments are broken down into their component parts and explained in clear and simple stages so that readers not previously familiar with philosophical reasoning are aware at all times of where they are in the debate, and where the strengths and weaknesses lie in each position. As such, it is an ideal introduction to critical thinking as well as to moral philosophy. -- Publisher description.