The Triumph of Practice over Theory in Ethics - Softcover

Sterba, James P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195132858 ISBN 13: 9780195132854

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2004

Synopsis

Aristotelian ethics, Kantian ethics, and utilitarian ethics have been for some time now the main options within (Western) ethics, and the central task over the years has been to determine which of the three is right. Is this book yet another attempt to fulfill this same old task? Not at all. Sterba argues that in their ongoing attempts to put forward for general consideration the most morally defensible versions of their views, advocates of Aristotelian ethics, Kantian ethics, and utilitarian ethics have jettisoned much of what had originally distinguished their theories from each other. The upshot is that, in their current most morally defensible formulations, Aristotelian ethics, Kantian ethics, and utilitarian ethics no longer differ in the practical requirements they endorse. This makes the resolution of moral problems far easier. Sterba drives home his claims by taking up some of the most challenging and important moral problems of our time--sexual harassment, affirmative action, and international terrorism and Iraqi War II. This book is an ideal supplementary text for courses in introductory ethics, history of ethics, contemporary moral problems, and various applied ethics courses. Featuring a lucid writing style and coverage of current moral issues, it is also captivating reading for general readers.

About this title

About the Author

James P. Sterba is at University of Notre Dame.

Review

Advance Praise: "This is a book that initiates an important debate by challenging the beliefs of moral philosophers about the implications of their theoretical disagreements. Much of importance turns on Sterba's provocative thesis that he has understood our views a great deal better than we have understood them ourselves, whether we are Aristotelians, Kantians, or utilitarians. It is a book not only for philosophers, but also for students of conflict resolution. Sterba's enterprise is one for which we can all be grateful, whatever our final verdict on it."--Alasdair MacIntyre, University of Notre Dame

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0195132858
• ISBN 13: 9780195132854
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224