Understanding Ethics
£24.99
About this book
Introduces students to the theories of what we ought to do and why in order to live an ethical life
- Covers 8 theories: normative ethics, utilitarianism, egoism, deontological ethics, the ethics of rights, virtue ethics, particularism and ecological ethics
- Discusses how best to handle global existential threats, such as AI, climate change and nuclear war
- Includes alternative theories within the fields of distributive justice and population ethics in the discussion on utilitarianism
- Uses thought-experiments like the trolley problem to test ethical theories
Moral questions about what we ought to do and why appear in every part of life. Is it morally acceptable to eat meat? Take flights? Should you be doing something to combat racism, sexism and xenophobia? This textbook introduces you to the most important and influential normative ethical theories that help us navigate the moral maze of modern life. Torbjörn Tännsjö carefully describes each theory, putting them into their historical contexts. He offers arguments for and against, with a special focus on the counterarguments and the best attempts to meet them.
New for this edition
- Brings a timely discussion about immanent global existential threats to the chapter on deep ecology
- Expands the discussion of population ethics, and adds a discussion of the repugnant conclusion and alternatives to it
- Adds recent ideas about egalitarian and prioritarian views in competition with utilitarianism to the section on distributive justice
- Streamlines the use of thought experiments throughout the book
- Updates the material on a feminist ethics of care
Reviews
Tännsjö writes from a definite position and never hides it — yet he argues for its rivals as if each might turn out to be right. The arguments here run all the way into population ethics, distribution, and the survival of humankind. A reader trying to work out what she actually believes could hardly ask for a better guide.
(Praise for the first edition) An excellent book: it leads people into quite sophisticated issues with such clarity, and such good real-world cases, that it doesn't seem at all dry or "academic".
With its readable style, broad coverage of different views, and well-integrated mix of ethical theory and practical ethical dilemmas, Understanding Ethics provides an ideal introduction to ethics for students everywhere. The revised edition makes an already excellent book even better.
Table of contents
Preface
1. Practical Problems and Normative Ethics
2. Utilitarianism
3. Egoism and Contractualism
4. Deontology
5. Absolute Moral Rights
6. Virtue Ethics
7. Deep Ecology
8. What Are We to Believe?
Index
References