The Dimensions of Ethics offers a concise but wide-ranging introduction to moral philosophy.  In clear and engaging fashion, the author first examines the scope of ethical theory, and explores central metaethical questions such as the issue of relativism, and the relationship between morality and religion.  He then turns to an exploration of five theoretical approaches (utilitarianism, the deontological approach of Kant, the ethical pluralism of Ross, virtue ethics, and feminist ethics), in each case providing a consideration of various objections that have been advanced as well as a sympathetic exposition of the core principles of each approach.  Throughout he uses a wide range of examples, and integrates references to issues in applied ethics with his discussions of ethical theory. 

Comment:

"This book provides an excellent, wide-ranging, highly readable introduction to ethical theory by a top-notch moral philosopher. Because the author is also an expert in legal philosophy, the connections between morality and law are especially well handled. Students taking a first course in ethics will profit immensely from this book." - Matthew H. Kramer, University of Cambridge

Special Combined Price: The Dimensions of Ethics is also available shrinkwrapped together with Ethical Theory: A Concise Anthology, second edition, at a special discounted price.

Wilfrid J. Waluchow is a Professor in the Philosophy Department at McMaster University. His many other works include Inclusive Legal Positivism (Oxford University Press, 1997) and Well and Good: A Case Study Approach to Biomedical Ethics (Broadview Press, 3/e 1998).

Table of Contents: [Back to Top]

 
Acknowledgments

Part I: Metaethics

1. The Many Dimensions of Ethical Theory
2.  Some Basics
3.  It's All Just Relative - Or Is It?
4. Morality and Religion: Divine Command Theory and Natural Law
5. The Social Contract Theory of Morality

Part II: Normative Ethical Theories

6. Utilitarianism
7. The Deontological Ethics of Immanuel Kant
8. The Ethical Pluralism of W.D. Ross
9.  The Virtue Ethics of Aristotle
10. Feminist Ethics

Index