1st Edition

The Puzzle of Ethics

By Peter Vardy Copyright 1994
    240 Pages
    by Routledge

    240 Pages
    by Routledge

    First Published in 1994. Is there such a thing as right and wrong? Are some codes of behaviour more justified than others? Is it foolish to believe in moral principles? Is 'virtue' just a quaint Victorian term and does anyone care in any case? The Puzzle of Ethics tackles these formidable questions and many more in a clear and easy to understand manner without every becoming superficial. Throughout the approaches of major philosophers are explained and specific issues are addressed, including: Just War theory, situation ethics, abortion, euthanasia, as well as Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic ethics. This challenging book is of considerable relevance, dealing as it does with the central areas of ethical concern in today's world. It is the ideal introduction to the field for students.

    Part I Theoretical Ethics; Chapter 1 Truth in Ethics; Chapter 2 Plato – Virtue and Knowledge; Chapter 3 Aristotle and Virtue Theory; Chapter 4 Aquinas and Natural Law; Chapter 5 Kant and the Moral Law; Chapter 6 Bentham and Mill – Utilitarianism; Chapter 7 Post-utilitarian Perspectives; Chapter 8 MacIntyre – Virtue Theory Revisited; Chapter 9 Buddhist Ethics; Part II Applied Ethics; Chapter 10 Situation Ethics; Chapter 11 Justice and Morality – Rawls and Nozick; Chapter 12 Abortion and Personhood; Chapter 13 Euthanasia and Medical Ethics; Chapter 14 Just War; Chapter 15 Human Rights; Chapter 16 Animal Rights; Chapter 17 Environmental Ethics; Chapter 18 Conclusion;

    Biography

    Peter Vardy, Paul Grosch