The Methods Of Ethics

Published in 1874, this is first edition of Sidgwick's masterpiece on moral philosophy, arguing the utilitarian approach to ethics.

Argues that Sidgwick is largely correct about many central ethical questions in his 1874 book, but that it can be hard to understand and raises many qustions. Provides a comprehensive perspective on Methods of ethics.

David Phillips aims in Sidgwickian Ethics to do something that has (surprisingly) not been done before: to interpret and evaluate the central argument of the Methods of Ethics, in a way that brings out the important conceptual and historical connections between Sidgwick's views and contemporary moral philosophy.

During the past decade ethical theory has been in a lively state of development, and three basic approaches to ethics - Kantian ethics, consequentialism, and virtue ethics - have assumed positions of particular prominence. Written in the form of a debate, this volume presents a clear survey and assessment of the main arguments, both for and against each of these three central approaches to ethics. In doing so, it represents the first volume to bring these forms of ethical theory into a critical relationship, engaging current philosophical debate on the one hand in terms clear enough for undergraduates on the other. It is an ideal basis for course use in ethics and moral philosophy.

Medical ethics draws upon methods from a wide array of disciplines, including anthropology, economics, epidemiology, health services research, history, law, medicine, nursing, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and theology. In this influential book, outstanding scholars in medical ethics bring these many methods together in one place to be systematically described, critiqued, and challenged. Newly revised and updated chapters in this second edition include philosophy, religion and theology, virtue and professionalism, casuistry and clinical ethics, law, history, qualitative research, ethnography, quantitative surveys, experimental methods, and economics and decision science. This second edition also includes new chapters on literature and sociology, as well as a second chapter on philosophy which expands the range of philosophical methods discussed to include gender ethics, communitarianism, and discourse ethics. In each of these chapters, contributors provide descriptions of the methods, critiques, and notes on resources and training. Methods in Medical Ethics is a valuable resource for scholars, teachers, editors, and students in any of the disciplines that have contributed to the field. As a textbook and reference for graduate students and scholars in medical ethics, it offers a rich understanding of the complexities involved in the rigorous investigation of moral questions in medical practice and research.

This book argues for a scientific interpretation of Aristotle's ethical method and takes an innovative approach toward understanding his conception of philosophy. It will interest readers working in the fields of philosophy, classics, political theory, history of ethics, and the relation between philosophy and science.