Ethics and the Good Life

This work offers an introduction to ethical theory by discussing "morality" in terms of living the best life. With humour and a jargon-free style, the author examines the methods and central moral questions of philosophy. Readers become involved in genuine philosophical arguments through a dialogue format that includes a series of "conversations" with resurrected philosophers. In these conversations, readers critically evaluate moral theories as the philosophers articulate their positions. At the same time, readers are compelled to sort through their own beliefs of morality, religion and human interaction. Covering a variety of traditional philosophical positions, readings in parts two and three further exemplify the ethical reasoning of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Mill, Rawls and James. The readings in part four, moral questions, deal with five provocative topics in applied ethics. By exploring contemporary moral issues such as abortion, sexual ethics, discriminations, captial punishment and the environment, readers link philosophical questions with the moral dilemmas of the contemporary world.
 
This work offers an introduction to ethical theory by discussing "morality" in terms of living the best life. With humour and a jargon-free style, the author examines the methods and central moral questions of philosophy. Readers become involved in genuine philosophical arguments through a dialogue format that includes a series of "conversations" with resurrected philosophers. In these conversations, readers critically evaluate moral theories as the philosophers articulate their positions. At the same time, readers are compelled to sort through their own beliefs of morality, religion and human interaction. Covering a variety of traditional philosophical positions, readings in parts two and three further exemplify the ethical reasoning of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Mill, Rawls and James. The readings in part four, moral questions, deal with five provocative topics in applied ethics. By exploring contemporary moral issues such as abortion, sexual ethics, discriminations, captial punishment and the environment, readers link philosophical questions with the moral dilemmas of the contemporary world.