The Dimensions of Ethics: An Introduction to Ethical Theory

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Broadview Press, Mar 27, 2003 - Philosophy - 256 pages

The Dimensions of Ethics offers a concise but wide-ranging introduction to moral philosophy. In clear and engaging fashion, the author first examines the scope of ethical theory, and explores central metaethical questions such as the issue of relativism, and the relationship between morality and religion. He then turns to an exploration of five theoretical approaches (utilitarianism, the deontological approach of Kant, the ethical pluralism of Ross, virtue ethics, and feminist ethics), in each case providing a consideration of various objections that have been advanced as well as a sympathetic exposition of the core principles of each approach. Throughout he uses a wide range of examples, and integrates references to issues in applied ethics with his discussions of ethical theory.

 

Selected pages

Contents

Acknowledgements
9
Two Some Basics
31
Three Its All Just RelativeOr Is It?
65
Divine Command
95
Five The Social Contract Theory of Morality
121
Six Utilitarianism
145
Seven The Deontological Ethics of Immanuel
173
Eight The Ethical Pluralism of W D Ross
189
Nine The Virtue Ethics of Aristotle
201
Ten Feminist Ethics
223
Index
247
Copyright

Other editions - View all

The Dimensions of Ethics: An Introduction to Ethical Theory
Wilfrid J. Waluchow
Limited preview - 2003
The Dimensions of Ethics: An Introduction to Ethical Theory
Wilfrid J. Waluchow
Limited preview - 2003

Common terms and phrases

accept According Act Utilitarianism action answer Aquinas argument Aristotle Aristotle's assessment bad consequences Bentham Categorical Imperative Chapter choice claim claim-right conduct confess consequentialist constrained maximization culture deontological theory derive determine Divine Command theory duty eudaemonia example fact feminist French Lieutenant's Woman fundamental G.E. Moore Gauthier God's happiness Hobbes important individuals judgments of obligation Kant Kant's lives maximize utility means meta-ethical Mill monistic theory Moral Conventionalism moral judgments moral obligation moral practices moral principles moral questions moral reasoning Moral Relativism moral standards moral theory moral thinking morally right natural law theory Non-Cognitivism normative one's particular perhaps persistent vegetative person philosophers pleasure possible preference Prisoner's Dilemma promise R.M. Hare rational reject relationships requires Ross Ross's rules situations social contract theory society Subjectivism tell theory of obligation theory of value tion traditional ethical theory truth universal Utilitarianism valid moral violate virtue virtue ethics women wrong

About the author (2003)

Wilfrid J. Waluchow is a Professor in the Philosophy Department at McMaster University. His many other works include Inclusive Legal Positivism (Oxford University Press, 1997) and Well and Good: A Case Study Approach to Biomedical Ethics (Broadview Press, 3/e 1998).

Bibliographic information

TitleThe Dimensions of Ethics: An Introduction to Ethical Theory
AuthorWilfrid J. Waluchow
Editionillustrated
PublisherBroadview Press, 2003
ISBN155111450X, 9781551114507
Length256 pages
Subjects › 

Philosophy / Ethics & Moral Philosophy
  
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