Problems in Value Theory
An Introduction to Contemporary Debates
Published on 6. February 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
328 pages
978-1-350-14739-3 (ISBN)
Description
Problems in Value Theory takes a pro and con approach to central topics in aesthetics, ethics and political theory.
Each chapter begins with a question: What Makes Actions Right or Wrong? Does Morality Depend on God? Do We Need Government? Contemporary philosophers with opposing viewpoints are then paired together to argue their position and raise problems with conflicting standpoints. Alongside an up-to-date introduction to a core philosophical stance, each contributor provides a critical response to their opponent and clear explanation of their view.
Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter to guide further discussion.
With chapters ranging from why the government should never wage war to what is art and does morality depend on God, this introduction covers questions lying at the heart of debates about what does and does not have value.
Each chapter begins with a question: What Makes Actions Right or Wrong? Does Morality Depend on God? Do We Need Government? Contemporary philosophers with opposing viewpoints are then paired together to argue their position and raise problems with conflicting standpoints. Alongside an up-to-date introduction to a core philosophical stance, each contributor provides a critical response to their opponent and clear explanation of their view.
Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter to guide further discussion.
With chapters ranging from why the government should never wage war to what is art and does morality depend on God, this introduction covers questions lying at the heart of debates about what does and does not have value.
Reviews / Votes
Cowan's text is a one-stop shop for introductory philosophy instructors and students, featuring both excerpts from classic philosophical texts and contemporary discussions which will bring students up to speed on the current state of each debate. This unique format reinforces for readers the fact that to study philosophy is to enter into a conversation as long as human history itself. * James S. Spiegel, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Taylor University, USA * Helpfully illustrates in a way accessible to non-specialist students selected contemporary academic approaches to philosophical value theory. Topics that constitute key issues in value theory in the sense of this volume are rather heterogeneous. So too are the types of language about value (contemporary-author, written interpretive text; questions; debates) that instructors using this volume may consider incorporating, to good effect, in a classroom. * Edward Sankowski, Professor of Philosophy, University of Oklahoma, USA *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
530 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-14739-3 (9781350147393)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2020
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€31.99
Available for download
E-Book
02/2020
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€31.99
Available for download
Person
Steven B. Cowan is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion and Director of the Philosophy and Religion Program at Lincoln Memorial University, USA.
Content
Contributors
Acknowledgements
Introduction, Steven B. Cowan
Part I: Problems in Ethics and Aesthetics
Introduction to Part I, Steven B. Cowan
1. Is Morality Relative?
Morality Is Relative, Michael Ruse
Morality Is Objective, Francis J. Beckwith
Responses:
Beckwith's Response to Ruse
Ruse's Response to Beckwith
2. What Makes Actions Right or Wrong?
Consequences Make Actions Right, Alastair Norcross
Respect for Persons Makes Actions Right, Mark Linville
Responses:
Linville's Response to Norcross
Norcross's Response to Linville
3. Does Morality Depend on God?
Morality Depends on God, Matthew Flannagan
Morality Does Not Depend on God, Graham Oppy
Responses:
Oppy's Response to Flannagan
Flannagan's Response to Oppy
4. Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?
Beauty is Relative, James Mock
Beauty is Objective, Carol S. Gould
Responses:
Gould's Response to Mock
Mock's Response to Gould
5. What Is the Meaning of Life?
The Meaning of Life Is Found in God, Douglas Groothuis
The Meaning of Life Can Be Found without God, Christine Vitrano
Responses:
Vitrano's Response to Groothuis
Groothuis"s Response to Vitrano
Essay Suggestions
For Further Reading
Part II: Problems in Political Philosophy
Introduction to Part II, Steven B. Cowan
6. Do We Need Government?
We Do Not Need Government, Roderick T. Long
We Need Some Government, Alex Tuckness
Responses:
Tuckness's Response to Long
Long's Response to Tuckness
7. Should Wealth Be Redistributed?
Wealth Should Be Redistributed, Jon Mandle
Wealth Should Not Be Redistributed, Jan Narveson
Responses:
Narveson's Response to Mandle
Mandle's Response to Narveson
8. When May the Government Wage War?
The Government Should Never Wage War, Andrew Alexandra
The Government May Sometimes Wage War, Nathan L. Cartagena
Responses:
Cartagena's Response to Alexandra
Alexandra's Response to Cartagena
Essay Suggestions
For Further Reading
Index
Acknowledgements
Introduction, Steven B. Cowan
Part I: Problems in Ethics and Aesthetics
Introduction to Part I, Steven B. Cowan
1. Is Morality Relative?
Morality Is Relative, Michael Ruse
Morality Is Objective, Francis J. Beckwith
Responses:
Beckwith's Response to Ruse
Ruse's Response to Beckwith
2. What Makes Actions Right or Wrong?
Consequences Make Actions Right, Alastair Norcross
Respect for Persons Makes Actions Right, Mark Linville
Responses:
Linville's Response to Norcross
Norcross's Response to Linville
3. Does Morality Depend on God?
Morality Depends on God, Matthew Flannagan
Morality Does Not Depend on God, Graham Oppy
Responses:
Oppy's Response to Flannagan
Flannagan's Response to Oppy
4. Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?
Beauty is Relative, James Mock
Beauty is Objective, Carol S. Gould
Responses:
Gould's Response to Mock
Mock's Response to Gould
5. What Is the Meaning of Life?
The Meaning of Life Is Found in God, Douglas Groothuis
The Meaning of Life Can Be Found without God, Christine Vitrano
Responses:
Vitrano's Response to Groothuis
Groothuis"s Response to Vitrano
Essay Suggestions
For Further Reading
Part II: Problems in Political Philosophy
Introduction to Part II, Steven B. Cowan
6. Do We Need Government?
We Do Not Need Government, Roderick T. Long
We Need Some Government, Alex Tuckness
Responses:
Tuckness's Response to Long
Long's Response to Tuckness
7. Should Wealth Be Redistributed?
Wealth Should Be Redistributed, Jon Mandle
Wealth Should Not Be Redistributed, Jan Narveson
Responses:
Narveson's Response to Mandle
Mandle's Response to Narveson
8. When May the Government Wage War?
The Government Should Never Wage War, Andrew Alexandra
The Government May Sometimes Wage War, Nathan L. Cartagena
Responses:
Cartagena's Response to Alexandra
Alexandra's Response to Cartagena
Essay Suggestions
For Further Reading
Index