A Concise Introduction to Ethics

by Shafer-Landau, Russ

• ISBN13: 9780190058173
• ISBN10: 019005817X
• Edition: Concise
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2019-07-08
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

About This Book

A Concise Introduction to Ethics

ISBN: 9780190058173

A Concise Introduction to Ethics by Russ Shafer-Landau is a comprehensive and well-written textbook that offers a condensed introduction to the essential moral theories. This book is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in ethics, making it an ideal resource for introductory ethics courses at the college and university levels.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and instructors in introductory ethics courses. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the basics of ethics, including professionals looking to refresh their knowledge or expand their understanding of moral principles.

History and Editions

The book was published on July 8, 2019, by Oxford University Press. It has been widely adopted in educational settings due to its clear and concise presentation of ethical theories. The author, Russ Shafer-Landau, is known for his ability to explain complex ethical concepts in a straightforward manner, making the book accessible to a broad audience.

Author and Other Works

Russ Shafer-Landau is a prominent figure in the field of ethics. He has written several books on ethics, including The Fundamentals of Ethics and Everything Should Be Different: Essays on Ethics and Politics. His work in ethics is highly regarded for its clarity and depth, making him a trusted author in the field.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers core concepts in ethics, including detailed explanations and examples of various moral theories.
• Clear Writing Style: The author's engaging writing style makes complex ethical concepts easy to understand.
• Compact Size: The book's compact size and low price make it an ideal resource for students on a budget.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780190058173
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780190058180 (available through VitalSource)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: July 8, 2019
• Number of Pages: 240 pages
• Language: English
• Item Weight: 0.726 pounds
• Dimensions: 8.20" wide x 5.40" long x 0.60" tall

Other Editions and Formats

• The book is available in paperback and eBook formats. The eBook version is available through VitalSource and includes built-in study tools like highlights and read-aloud features.

Related ISBNs:

• 9780190058180 (eBook)
• 9780190058180 (eTextbook)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for A Concise Introduction to Ethics, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Russ Shafer-Landau is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the author of several books, including Living Ethics (OUP, 2018), The Fundamentals of Ethics, Fourth Edition (OUP, 2017), and The Ethical Life, Fourth Edition (OUP, 2017). He is also the editor of Oxford Studies in Metaethics.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. What Is Morality?
A. Conventional and Critical Morality
B. The Branches of Moral Philosophy
C. Moral Starting Points
D. Morality and Other Normative Systems
E. Morality and Religion
F. Conclusion
Key Terms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 2. Moral Reasoning
A. Validity and Soundness
B. Necessary and Sufficient Conditions
C. Valid Argument Forms
D. Fallacies
E. Conclusion
Key Terms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Chapter 3. Skepticism about Morality
A. Egoism
B. Relativism
C. Error Theory
D. Conclusion
Key Terms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 4. The Good Life
A. Hedonism
B. Desire Satisfaction Theory
C. Conclusion
Key Terms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 5. Natural Law
A. The Theory and Its Attractions
B. Three Conceptions of Human Nature
C. Natural Purposes
D. The Doctrine of Double Effect
E. Conclusion
Key Terms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 6. Consequentialism
A. The Nature of Consequentialism
B. The Attractions of Utilitarianism
C. Some Difficulties for Utilitarianism
D. Conclusion
Key Terms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 7. Kantian Ethics
A. Consistency and Fairness
B. The Principle of Universalizability
C. Hypothetical and Categorical Imperatives
D. Assessing the Principle of Universalizability
E. Kant on Absolute Moral Duties
F. The Principle of Humanity
G. Conclusion
Key Terms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 8. Social Contract Theory
A. The Background of the Social Contract Theory
B. The Prisoner's Dilemma
C. Cooperation and the State of Nature
D. The Advantages of Contractarianism
E. The Role of Consent
F. Disagreement among the Contractors
G. Conclusion
Key Terms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 9. The Ethic of Prima Facie Duties
A. Ethical Pluralism and Prima Facie Duties
B. The Advantages of Ross's View
C. A Problem for Ross's View
D. Prima Facie Duties and the Testing of Moral Theories
E. Knowing the Right Thing to Do
F. Conclusion
Key Trms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 10. Virtue Ethics
A. The Standard of Right Action
B. Moral Complexity
C. Moral Understanding
D. The Nature of Virtue
E. Does Virtue Ethics Offer Adequate Moral Guidance?
F. Who Are the Moral Role Models?
G. Conflict and Contradiction
H. The Priority Problem
I. Conclusion
Key Trms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Chapter 11. Feminist Ethics and the Ethics of Care
A. The Elements of Feminist Ethics
B. The Ethics of Care
C. The Importance of Emotions
D. Against Unification
E. Partiality and Concreteness
F. Downplaying Rights
G. Challenges for Feminist Ethics
H. Conclusion
Key Trms and Concepts
Discussion Questions
Cases for Critical Reflection
Suggestions for Further Reading
Appendix: The Truth about Philosophy Majors
Glossary
Index