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The Ethical Life cover

The Ethical Life

Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Theory

by Russ Shafer-Landau

6th Edition

Publisher: Oxford University Press

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Book Details

Print ISBN9780197697627
eText ISBN9780197697641
PublisherOxford University Press
Publishing Year2023
Edition6th Edition
LanguageEnglish
Pages640

In an era marked by deep moral polarization and complex societal dilemmas, finding a reliable guide to navigate ethical theory is more critical than ever. The Ethical Life 6th Edition offers an exceptional, highly accessible entry point into these vital discussions, presenting a curated selection of classic and contemporary readings that challenge students to think critically about the nature of right and wrong. By bridging historical philosophical foundations with pressing modern debates, this anthology serves as an indispensable academic resource for understanding the diverse landscapes of human values and moral decision-making. It provides a structured space where students can safely explore conflicting viewpoints and develop their own reasoned moral convictions.

Compiled by a leading voice in contemporary philosophy, this comprehensive collection spans a remarkable breadth of intellectual traditions. Students are introduced to foundational ethical frameworks, including utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and feminist perspectives, through the original writings of historically influential thinkers alongside contemporary scholars. Beyond abstract theory, the volume dives into highly relevant moral problems such as environmental preservation, global poverty, animal welfare, and technological ethics. This balanced approach ensures that learners do not merely memorize theories but actively apply them to real-world dilemmas, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nuances of normative ethics and metaethical debates that shape our daily lives.

Designed specifically for introductory ethics and contemporary moral issues courses, The Ethical Life 6th Edition features meticulously crafted chapter introductions that provide essential historical and conceptual context for every reading. This edition introduces fresh contemporary essays alongside timeless classics, ensuring the material remains highly engaging and relevant for today's diverse student body. Instructors widely adopt this volume for its unmatched clarity, affordability, and pedagogical depth. For students seeking a flexible digital format, acquiring The Ethical Life 6th Edition PDF offers an accessible way to engage with these transformative texts, making it easier to study, highlight, and reference key arguments across any digital device.

Table of Contents

  1. Chapter Introduction: Introduction to Ethical Theory

  2. Chapter Part I: The Good Life

    • • 1. John Stuart Mill: Hedonism
    • • 2. Robert Nozick: The Experience Machine
    • • 3. Chris Heathwood: Faring Well and Getting What You Want
    • • 4. Brad Hooker: The Elements of Well-Being
    • • 5. Susan Wolf: Happiness and Meaning: Two Aspects of the Good Life
  3. Chapter Part II: Normative Ethics: Theories of Right Conduct

    • • 6. Plato: Euthyphro
    • • 7. Thomas Aquinas: Natural Law
    • • 8. John Stuart Mill: Utilitarianism
    • • 9. Immanuel Kant: The Good Will and the Categorical Imperative
    • • 10. Thomas Hobbes: Leviathan
    • • 11. W. D. Ross: What Makes Right Acts Right?
    • • 12. Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
    • • 13. Hilde Lindemann: What Is Feminist Ethics?
  4. Chapter Part III: Metaethics: The Status of Morality

    • • 14. David Hume: Moral Distinctions not Derived from Reason
    • • 15. J. L. Mackie: The Subjectivity of Values
    • • 16. Diane Jeske: Cultural Relativism
    • • 17. David Enoch: Why I am an Objectivist about Ethics (and Why You Are, Too)
    • • 18. Sarah McGrath: Moral Knowledge
  5. Chapter Part IV: Moral Problems

    • • 19. Kwame Anthony Appiah: What Will Future Generations Condemn Us For?
    • • Poverty and Hunger (Peter Singer, Onora O'Neill, Jason Brennan)
    • • Euthanasia and a Modest Proposal (James Rachels, John Harris)
    • • Immigration (Christopher Heath Wellman, Javier Hidalgo)
    • • Animals (Nick Zangwill, Alastair Norcross)
    • • The Environment (John Broome, Thomas Hill, Jr.)
    • • Abortion (Judith Jarvis Thomson, Don Marquis, Philippa Foot)
    • • The Death Penalty (Igor Primoratz, Stephen Nathanson)
    • • Guns (Jeff McMahan, Michael Huemer)
    • • The Legacy of Racism (Martin Luther King, Jr., Daniel Hausman, Peggy McIntosh, Chandran Kukathas)
    • • Drugs (Douglas Husak, Peter de Marneffe)
    • • Genetic Engineering (Michael Sandel, Julian Savulescu)
    • • Sex and Gender (Christin Scarlett Milloy, Kathleen Stock)

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▶Research Sources (13)
  • The Ethical Life - Russ Shafer-Landau - Oxford University Press
  • The Ethical Life Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Theory
  • ISBN 9780197697641 - The Ethical Life 6th Edition Direct Textbook
  • The Ethical Life : Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Theory
  • 9780197697641: The Ethical Life - BookScouter.com
  • The Ethical Life Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Problems
  • The Ethical Life: Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Theory
  • The Ethical Life Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Theory
  • The Ethical Life Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Theory 6th
  • The ethical life : fundamental readings in ethics and moral problems
  • The Ethical Life: Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Theory
  • Russ Shafer-Landau, The Ethical Life 6e - Oxford Learning Link
  • The Ethical Life | Powell's Books

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