Ethics: A Beginner's Guide

Description

From Confucianism to Kant's categorical imperative, from the Ancient Greeks to Amnesty International, This essential volume presents ethics through a fascinating global historical lens and relates it to everyday life and 21st-century politics. Peter Cave traces the development of this key branch of philosophy up to the present day, introducing readers to all the main schools of thought. With his characteristic wit and clarity, Cave takes on good and evil, power and politics, and liberalism and relativism, and handily guides us around some of the most common potholes in ethical reasoning. Applying theory to contemporary concepts like corporate social responsibility and bioethical issues such as so-called designer babies, this is an indispensable primer on the subject.

Peter Cave lectures in philosophy for The Open University and New York University (London). He frequently contributes to philosophy magazines and journals, lectures around the world, and has scripted and presented philosophy programs for the BBC. The author of eight books on philosophy, including Humanism: A Beginner's Guide and Can a Robot be Human?, he lives in London, UK.

"Rich, comprehensive and provocative, with illustrative examples that are original and stimulating... altogether a fine and authoritative introduction to the subject." -- Michael Clark - Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Nottingham "A must-read. It is thorough and complete, yet always accessible and entertaining, written in Cave's signature sharp style. No matter what your background, this book will inform and challenge you - just as moral philosophizing should." -- Andrew Pessin - Professor of Philosophy, Connecticut College "Readable and entertaining... With characteristic verve, Peter Cave surveys a wide range of topics and challenges readers to think their way through complex moral problems. For those seeking to make sense of life's dilemmas, as well as for students enrolled in philosophy courses, this is an ideal guide." -- Dan Cohn-Sherbok - Professor Emeritus of Judaism, University of Wales "A clear, comprehensive, and witty tour of the terrain." -- William Irwin - Professor of Philosophy, King's College Pennsylvania "Lucid, witty, erudite, and wise. This is more than a brilliant survey of ethical theories: it is an invitation to reflect on your life and to challenge your own settled views." -- Raymond Tallis - author and philosopher "An excellent primer. Highly recommended!" -- A. C. Grayling