Introducing Ethics: A Critical Thinking Approach with Readings

Introducing Ethics: A Critical Thinking Approach with Readings combines guiding commentary and questions with a rich selection of concise, carefully edited, and accessible readings on ethical theory and contemporary moral issues. This unique introduction shows students how to do philosophy by first analyzing texts--identifying ethical positions and the arguments that support them--and then evaluating the truth of those positions and the soundness of the arguments. In doing so, it provides students with a uniquely engaging introduction to ethics that also hones their critical thinking skills.

FEATURES

* A unique Unit 1 gives students the conceptual tools to "do" philosophy with coverage of logic, arguments, moral reasoning, and reading and writing philosophy

* Extensive coverage of the three main areas of ethics--metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics--addresses issues often ignored by other texts, including ethics vs. science, moral responsibility, moral vs. legal issues, torture, terrorism, and more

* Unit and chapter introductions outline major themes and issues and explain why they matter

* Reading questions precede the essays and focus students' studying on key points, while discussion questions follow the readings and help students move into the evaluation phase

* "Argument Reconstruction Exercises" after each reading provide practice in identifying the premises and conclusions in the essays

* An Instructor's Manual with Test Bank on CD is available to adopters

* A Companion Website at www.oup.com/us/mcbrayer provides all the material contained on the CD along with student resources

Justin P. McBrayer is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Fort Lewis College, Colorado. He is the coeditor of Skeptical Theism: New Essays (OUP, 2014), and The Blackwell Companion to the Problem of Evil (2013).

Peter J. Markie is Curators' Teaching Professor of Philosophy at the University of Missouri. He is the coeditor of Ethics: History, Theory and Contemporary Issues (OUP, 2011).