Ethics: History, Theory, and Contemporary Issues - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195142004 ISBN 13: 9780195142006

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2001

Synopsis

The most comprehensive collection of its kind, Ethics: History, Theory, and Contemporary Issues, 2/e is organized into three sections, providing instructors with flexibility in designing and teaching a variety of courses in moral philosophy. The first section, Historical Sources, moves from classical thought (Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, and Epictetus) through medieval views (Augustine and Aquinas) to modern theories (Hobbes, Butler, Hume, Kant, Bentham, and Mill), culminating with leading nineteenth- and twentieth-century thinkers (Kierkegaard, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, James, Dewey, Camus, and Sartre). The readings are printed in their entirety wherever possible. The second section, 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 (Williams, Brandt, Feinberg, Foot, and Rachels). Landmark selections (Moore, Prichard, Ross, Ayer, Stevenson, Anscombe, Baier, Hare, Harman, and Gauthier) reflect concern with moral language and the justification of morality. The concepts of justice (Rawls) and rights (Feinberg) are explored, as well as recent views on the importance of virtue ethics (MacIntyre and Rachels) and an ethic influenced by feminist concerns (Held). In the third section, Contemporary Moral Problems, the readings present the current debates over abortion, euthanasia, famine relief, animal rights, the death penalty, and affirmative action.
This second edition features expanded selections from Plato's Republic, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, and Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus. It also includes articles by Michael Stocker on ethical theory; Jane English and Joel Feinberg on abortion; Thomas D. Sullivan on euthanasia; Hugo Adam Bedau on capital punishment; and Judith Jarvis Thomson, Robert Simon, and Steven M. Cahn on affirmative action.

About this title

About the Author

Steven M. Cahn, Professor of Philosophy, City University of New York Graduate Center. Peter Markie, Professor of Philosophy, University of Missouri, Columbia.

Review

"A fine anthology. The organization of this book into three parts will accommodate a variety of approaches to teaching ethics."--David Detmer, Purdue University Calumet

"Excellent compendium of texts, wonderful resource book for the beginning as well as the advanced student. The broad approach--not only focusing on theories but also on contemporary moral issues--makes it unique."--Angelika Soldan, University of Texas, Brownsville

"A fine balance between historical and contemporary sources. Students will be able to gain a basic understanding of theoretical issues and also apply them to problems."--Ted Vaggalis, Drury University

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0195142004
• ISBN 13: 9780195142006
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 896
• Editor: Cahn Steven M., Markie Peter