Moral Theory: An IntroductionWhat makes an action right or wrong? Why is something good or bad? How does one make moral decisions about what is right and good? These are among the main questions of ethics. This book explores some of the most historically important and currently debated moral theories about the nature of the right and good. After introducing students in the first chapter to some of the main aims and methods of evaluating a moral theory, the remaining chapters are devoted to an examination of various moral theories including the divine command theory, moral relativism, natural law theory, Kant's moral theory, moral pluralism, virtue ethics, and moral particularism. Providing an introduction to moral theory that explains and critically examines the theories of such classical moral philosophers as Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Bentham, Mill, and Ross, this book acquaints students with the work of contemporary moral philosophers. |
Contents
An Introduction to Moral Theory | 1 |
Divine Command Theory | 23 |
Moral Relativism | 37 |
Natural Law Theory | 65 |
Classical Utilitarianism | 103 |
Contemporary Utilitarianism | 131 |
Kants Mora I Theory | 151 |
Moral Pluralism | 189 |
Moral Particularism | 245 |
Conclusion | 267 |
Standards for Evaluating Moral Theories | 271 |
Glossary | 273 |
| 281 | |
| 285 | |
About the Author | |
Virtue Ethics | 211 |
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Common terms and phrases
according action right appeal Aquinas basic moral norms capital punishment Categorical Imperative chap chapter character traits claim concepts considered moral beliefs context correct moral craniotomy culture deontic status depends determinacy divine command theory eudaimonia evaluation example explain facie duty fact formulation happiness hedonism hysterectomy idea imperfect duty individuals intrinsic value involves Kant Kant's moral theory killing lying maxim metaethics Mill's moral absolutism moral code moral judgment moral particularism moral principles moral relativism moral requirements moral verdicts morally relevant features morally wrong natural law theory nonmoral features objection obligatory one's particularist perform person philosophers phronesis plausible pluralist prima facie duty principle of utility promise question rational reason right action right and wrong right conduct right or wrong Ross Ross's theory rule utilitarianism situation someone sort specific standard suppose theoretical aim theory of right thesis things tion University virtue ethics virtuous agent welfare wrong action