Author Description

"In this engaged and engaging survey Piers Benn examines the major currents of ethical theory, concentrating on sound reasoning about morality. Benn's account combines the strengths of Aristotelian, Kantian and Utilitarian theories, building on what is distinctive and valuable in each of these approaches. His examples emphasize the ordinary choices of everyday life - gossip, friendship, honesty, sexual relations, work and self-realization.". "Benn stimulates a concern for moral discourse through an initial discussion of moral objectivity and relativism, a central problem for ethical theory as well as one of the most immediate and practical concerns in our contemporary world. He suggests that most of the arguments offered in support of relativism are really arguments for tolerance, elucidating this crucial distinction and its implications. His emphasis on showing the reader how to think critically about the issues is brought to bear on key moral concepts throughout the book. Free will and determinism, pleasure and happiness, reasons and causes, authority and rationality are examined with insight and clarity.". "Benn's elegant and insightful treatment makes Ethics an ideal text for undergraduate courses. The guides to further reading provided in each chapter help the reader pursue interesting topics and facilitate use of the book in conjunction with primary sources."--BOOK JACKET.