Moral Theory: An IntroductionMoral Theory: An Introduction explores some of the most historically important and currently debated moral theories about the nature of the right and good. Providing an introduction to moral theory that explains and critically examines the theories of such classical moral philosophers as Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Bentham, Mill, and Ross, this book acquaints students with the work of contemporary moral philosophers. All of the book's chapters have been revised in light of recent work in moral theory. The second edition includes a new chapter on ethical egoism, an extensively revised chapter on moral particularism, and expanded coverage of divine command theory, moral relativism, and consequentialism. Additionally, this edition discusses recent work by moral psychologists that is making an impact on moral theory. |
Contents
Chapter 1 An Introduction to Moral Theory | 1 |
Chapter 2 Divine Command Theory | 23 |
Chapter 3 Moral Relativism | 41 |
Chapter 4 Natural Law Theory | 71 |
Classical Utilitarianism | 111 |
Contemporary Developments | 143 |
Chapter 7 Ethical Egoism | 177 |
Chapter 8 Kants Moral Theory | 205 |
Chapter 10 Virtue Ethics | 269 |
Chapter 11 Moral Particularism | 305 |
Chapter 12 Conclusion | 331 |
Standards for Evaluating Moral Theories | 337 |
Glossary | 339 |
351 | |
359 | |
About the Author | 367 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
according act utilitarianism action right appeal argument basic moral norms Categorical Imperative chap chapter character traits claim conception conflict consequences consequentialist considered moral beliefs context correct moral culture deontic status depends divine command theory ethical egoism eudaimonia evaluation example facie duty fact flourishing formulation God’s commands happiness holism human idea imperfect duty individuals intrinsic value involves Kant Kant’s moral theory killing maxim Mill’s moral absolutism moral code moral judgment moral particularism moral pluralism moral principles moral reason moral relativism moral requirements moral verdicts moral worth morally relevant morally wrong motive natural law theory nonmoral objections obligatory one’s particular particularist perform person philosophers pleasure pluralist prima facie duty promise psychological egoism question right action right and wrong right conduct right or wrong Ross’s theory self-interest someone sort specific standard status of actions suppose theory of right thesis utilitarianism utility virtue ethics virtuous agent welfare