This book presents and argues for a moral theory which draws on most of the major theoretical positions to some degree, but it also spells out the limits and boundaries of a moral theory. In doing so, it exposes a number of common confusions and misunderstandings about morality, and presents a strong argument for some indisputable truths in relation to the moral sphere.
Divided into four parts, the book covers the key issues within moral philosophy:
- part one provides a lucid and powerful account of the nature and limits of moral theory, sharply distinguishing it from religion
- part two outlines a positive moral theory by exploring the defining principles of morality and the reasons for being moral
- part three distinguishes moral values from others such as ecological, health and safety and sexual values
- part four is concerned with the implications of our moral understanding for moral education.
While this book concentrates on argument and ideas, a commentary to each chapter provides historical context and contemporary reference points. It will prove an invaluable resource for students of both Education and Philosophy.
Part 1: Understanding the Nature and Limits of Moral Theory 1. Integrity: A Shared Moral Value 2. Religion, Nature and Intuition as Possible Sources of Moral Truth 3. Some Distinctions and Some Mistakes 4. Rights and Procedures Part 2: Outline of a Moral Theory 5. Principles that Define Morality 6. Reasons for Being Moral 7. Relativism 8. Second Order Principles Part 3: Some Implications of the Moral Theory 9. Moral vs. Social, Ecological and Sexual Values 10. Moral vs. Health and Safety Values Part 4: Moral Education 11. Moral Questions in Education 12. The Question of Moral Education 13. Forms of Moral Education
Biography
Robin Barrow