Understanding Ethics: An Introduction to Moral Theory - Hardcover

Torbjörn Tännsjö

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0748682244 ISBN 13: 9780748682249

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press, 2013

Synopsis

This is an introduction to moral theory for new students of ethics. How can we find true or reasonable moral principles to live our everyday lives by? Torbjorn Tannsjo presents 7 radically different moral theories, each of which attempts to provide the ultimate answer to the question of what we ought to do and why. Tannsjo carefully describes each theory, showing how it works in practice, critically assessing it and putting it into its historical perspective. It covers 7 moral theories: utilitarianism, egoism, deontological ethics, the ethics of rights, virtue ethics, feminist ethics, environmental or ecological ethics. It shows how each theory works in practice using the famous 'trolley' thought experiment. It looks at the influence of neuroscience and psychology on the formation of our moral intuitions. New For This Edition: a new section on population ethics has been added to the chapter on utilitarianism; discusses the impact of recent findings in social psychology on virtue ethics; and new, clearer applications of the trolley cases.

About this title

About the Author

Torbjörn Tännsjö is Kristian Claeson Professor of Practical Philosophy at Stockholm University.

From the Back Cover

'With its readable style, broad coverage of different views, and well-integrated mix of ethical theory and practical ethical dilemmas, Understanding Ethics provides an ideal introduction to ethics for students everywhere. The revised edition makes an already excellent book even better.' Professor Peter Singer, Princeton University Praise for the first edition: 'An excellent book: it leads people into quite sophisticated issues with such clarity, and such good real-world cases, that it doesn't seem at all dry or "academic".' Professor Jonathan Glover, King's College, London An introduction to moral theory for new students of ethics How can we find true or reasonable moral principles to live our everyday lives by? Torbjörn Tännsjö presents 7 radically different moral theories, each of which attempts to provide the ultimate answer to the question of what we ought to do and why. He carefully describes each theory, showing how it works in practice, critically assessing it and putting it into its historical perspective. Key features - Covers 7 moral theories: utilitarianism, egoism, deontological ethics, the ethics of rights, virtue ethics, feminist ethics, environmental or ecological ethics - Shows how each theory works in practice using the famous 'trolley problem' thought experiment - Looks at the influence of neuroscience and psychology on the formation of our moral intuitions New for the 3rd edition - A new section on population ethics has been added to the chapter on utilitarianism - Discusses the impact of recent findings in social psychology on virtue ethics - New, clearer applications of the trolley problem Torbjörn Tännsjö is Kristian Claëson Professor of Practical Philosophy at Stockholm University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0748682244
• ISBN 13: 9780748682249
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 168