Author Description

A 21st Century Ethical Toolbox offers a uniquely practical and hands-on introduction to ethics. Thoroughly optimistic, the book invites students to approach ethical issues with a reconstructive intent--to "break out of the box" in order to make room for more and better options than the rigid "pro" and "con" positions that have developed around tough problems like abortion and environmental ethics. In this book, ethics is treated not as an invitation to issue summary moral judgments or to construct and evaluate moral theories, but as an ongoing set of real-life challenges that call for multiple, integrated, and open-ended kinds of intelligence. Anthony Weston covers the skills that are vital to making real progress in ethics, including critical thinking, creative problem-solving, moral vision, mindful speech, and many more. Readers will find refreshing examples of real people and communities who have made progress in reframing and resolving ethical dilemmas by thinking and acting in constructive and innovative ways. Instructors can readily use the experiential and applied activities inspired by this "toolbox" of skills to design an interactive and collaborative ethics course, and students will find the resources and the encouragement to carry those skills into practice.A 21st Century Ethical Toolbox addresses a broad spectrum of compelling ethical issues, including abortion, sexual choices, what and how we eat, crime and punishment, fair trade, environmental justice, and many others. Provocative selections from a wide range of philosophers, essayists, community activists, and students are interwoven with Weston's own discussions. The text is enhanced by an extensive "Exercises and Notes" section at the end of each chapter and a detailed appendix that offers instructors advice on how to use this book in the classroom.New to the Second Edition:* A reorganized structure that covers a wider range of topics, grouped into four parts: Getting Started; Moral Values; Ethical Practice; and Making a Difference* A more diverse selection of sources that pays more attention to multicultural representation and religious ethics* New and additional readings from moral philosophers, first-rate writers, community activists, and college students, including Alice Walker, Ursula LeGuin, Bertrand Russell, Kwasi Wiredu, Aldo Leopold, and many others* A new chapter on "Mindful Speech" by Spoma Jovanovic, a leading figure in Communication Ethics* An all-new Part IV on how to make a real ethical difference* Ten review questions in each chapter that can also be used as test questions* A second appendix, "Experiential Teaching in Ethics," by Sharon Hartline of Radford University