The triumph of practice over theory in ethics / James P. Sterba.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sterba, James P.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ethics--History.

Ethics.

History.

Genre:

Conference papers and proceedings.

Physical Description:

xi, 206 pages ; 21 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Oxford University Press, 2005.

Summary:

Aristotelian ethics, Kantian ethics, and utilitarian ethics have been for some time now the main options within (Western) ethics, and the central task over the years has been to determine which of the three is right. Is this book yet another attempt to fulfill this same old task? Not at all. Sterba argues that in their ongoing attempts to put forward for general consideration the most morally defensible versions of their views, advocates of Aristotelian ethics, Kantian ethics, and utilitarian ethics have jettisoned much of what had originally distinguished their theories from each other. The upshot is that, in their current, most morally defensible formulations, Aristotelian ethics, Kantian ethics, and utilitarian ethics no longer differ in the practical requirements they endorse. This makes the resolution of moral problems far easier. Sterba drives home his claims by taking up some of the most challenging and important moral problems of our time-sexual harassment, affirmative action, and international terrorism and Iraqi War II. This book is an ideal supplementary text for courses in introductory ethics, history of ethics, contemporary moral problems, and various applied ethics courses. Featuring a lucid writing style and coverage of current moral issues, it is also captivating reading for general readers.

Contents:

2 Aristotelians and Kantians and the Justification for Morality 9

3 Kantians and Utilitarians and the Poor, Disadvantaged, Innocent 37

4 Kantians and Utilitarians and the Moral Status of Nonhuman Life 58

Philosophical Interlude 87

5 Understanding, Explaining, and Eliminating Sexual Harassment 90

6 Defending Affirmative Action, Defending Preferences 110

7 International Terrorism and Iraqi War II 133.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 195-201) and index.

ISBN:

019513284X

0195132858

OCLC:

55067602