Problems in Applied Ethics: An Introduction to Contemporary Western Debates

Problems in Applied Ethics takes a pro and con approach to both perennial and contemporary topics in applied ethics.

Each chapter addresses a crucial moral issue such as: Abortion, capital punishment, animal rights, human genome editing, reparations, and same-sex marriage. Contemporary philosophers with opposing viewpoints are then paired together to argue their position and raise problems with conflicting standpoints. Alongside an up-to-date introduction to a core ethical stance, each contributor provides a critical response to their opponent and clear explanation of their view.

Discussion questions are included at the beginning of each essay and the end of each chapter to guide further reflection.

With chapters ranging from why euthanasia is right or wrong to what obligations we have to animals and should drugs be legalized, this introduction covers questions lying at the heart of debates about what is and is not morally permissible.