Ethical Theory

The Handbook is a comprehensive reference work in ethical theory consisting of commissioned articles by leading scholars. The first part treats meta-ethics and the second part normative ethical theory. As with all the Oxford Handbooks, the collection is designed to achieve three goals: exposition of central ideas, criticism of other approaches, and defenses of distinct points of view.

In this general introduction to ethical theory, Chapter I introduces the reader to philosophical thinking, philosophy's domain, the value of philosophy, and the nature of philosophical ethics. The second chapter examines various impediments to ethical theory including nihilism, determinism, skeptism, relativism, emotivism, egoism, and divine command theory. With these impediments surmounted the subsequent chapters focus on major ethical theories including natural law, virtue, contract, deontological, utilitarianism, existentialism, evolutionary, and feminist. Each chapter systematically presents, critiques, and assesses both classical and contemporary formulations of theory in language accessible to the uninitiated. The author neither dismisses nor advocates particular theories but gives them a fair hearing in a rational forum. The final chapter presents the author's own moral theory in a straightforward but non-dogmatic manner.

The Dimensions of Ethics offers a concise but wide-ranging introduction to moral philosophy. In clear and engaging fashion, the author first examines the scope of ethical theory, and explores central metaethical questions such as the issue of relativism, and the relationship between morality and religion. He then turns to an exploration of five theoretical approaches (utilitarianism, the deontological approach of Kant, the ethical pluralism of Ross, virtue ethics, and feminist ethics), in each case providing a consideration of various objections that have been advanced as well as a sympathetic exposition of the core principles of each approach. Throughout he uses a wide range of examples, and integrates references to issues in applied ethics with his discussions of ethical theory.

In this book, Broad expounds and criticises five typical theories of ethics, viz. those of Spinoza, Butler, Hume, Kant and Sidgwick. This edition first published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Why Itâ¬"s Hard to Be Good by Donald Palmer is a text for Ethical Theory and Ethical Problems courses and is ideal for instructors using primary source readings. Through the use of cartoons and humor Palmer makes the study of ethics easier!

This reader contains 72 classical and contemporary articles organized around 13 crucial issues in ethical theory: the nature of ethics, ethical relativism, ethical egoism and evolutionary ethics, value, utilitarianism, deontological ethics, virtue ethics, the fact/value problem, moral realism and skepticism, morality and self-interest, ethics and religion, justice, and rights. The articles are arranged within a coherent, teachable framework in which presentation of each problem progresses from the classical to the contemporary, usually treating it in a dialectic (pro and con) format.

The philosophical tradition has given rise to many competing moral theories. Virtue ethics encourages the flourishing of the person, theories of justice and rights tell us to act according to principles, and consequentialist theories advise that we seek to bring about good ends. These varied theories highlight the morally relevant features of the problems that we encounter both in everyday personal interactions and on a broader social scale. When used together, they allow us to address moral conflicts by balancing a plurality of reasons in order to reach nuanced ethical decisions. In Ethical Reasoning: Theory and Application, Andrew Kernohan guides the reader through the basics of these moral theories, showing their strengths and weaknesses and emphasizing the ways in which competing moral reasons can be collectively employed to guide decision-making. Throughout, the focus is on practical applications and on how each theory can play a role in solving problems and addressing issues. Numerous questions and exercises are provided to encourage active reflection and retention of information.

This anthology is designed for use as a brief introduction to ethical theory. Included are sections on various forms of ethical theory: Ethical Relativism; Divine Command Theory; Egoism; Consequentialism; Deontology; Justice; Virtue Ethics; and Feminist Ethics. Each section includes two or three of the most important and interesting contributions to the field, together with brief introductions by the editors. A final section, Theories in Practice, consists of five selections on the issues of abortion, world poverty, and affirmative action.