The Story of Ethics: Fulfilling Our Human Nature

by Kelly James Clark

This book provides readers with an excellent introduction to the history of ethics. The authors examine the ethical philosophies of prominent Western thinkers—from the ancients through the twentieth century—within the context of their views of human nature and human fulfillment. They do so in a way that is both accessible and engaging without sacrificing the profundity of the issues raised. A five-part organization covers the Homeric tradition, the Sophists, Plato, Aristotle, Christianity, Neoplatonism, Augustine, the Euthyphro problem, revolutions and reformations, Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Mary Wollstonecraft, Hegelianism and Materialism, Karl Marx, John Stuart Mill, Soren Kierkegaard, Darwinism, Friedrich Nietzsche, G. E. Moore, A.J. Ayer, Jean-Paul Sartre, Elizabeth Anscombe, John Rawls, Alasdair MacIntyre, Carol Gilligan, Richard Rorty, and a conclusion about human nature, morality & fulfillment. For individuals who want to better formulate their own answers and frame their own decisions, both large and small, within the all important context of what it means to flourish as a human being.

Genres: Philosophy

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2002

About the author

Kelly James Clark is an American philosopher noted for his work in the philosophy of religion, science and religion, and the cognitive science of religion.

He received his PhD from the University of Notre Dame where his dissertation advisor was Alvin Plantinga. He has held professorships at Calvin College, Oxford University, University of St. Andrews, Notre Dame & Gordon College. He also served as Executive Director for the Society of Christian Philosophers from 1994 to 2009.

He is currently Senior Research Fellow at the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Professor at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Reviews

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent introduction to the history ethics, would advise as a starting text for high schoolers and undergraduates

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introductory textbook for the history ethical thinking in the western tradition. It is concise with bite sized summaries of many of the major figures from the ancient philosophers (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle) through the medieval period right up to our contemporary postmodern context. Consideration is given to their historical contexts. Figures such as Charles Darwin, who are not strictly speaking philosophers or ethicists, are considered for the ideas that changed the nature of ethical debate and our understanding of human nature. And, this is the theme which the book traces. Ethics are understood in relationship to human fulfillment. In other words, moral thought is concerned with question: what is the good life?

[Benjamin Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being written by Christian feminist theologians, this short text proved to be an excellent and relatively unbiased introduction to ethical theories and thought. The last chapter introducing contemporary philosophers is especially intriguing. The teleological approach of Alasdaire MacIntyre and the tempered difference feminism of Carol Gilligan were thought provoking to say the least. A helpful explanation of Kant, Hume and J.S. Mill are also present. The book is lacking, I think, in it's discussion of Aristotle, Aquinas and various medieval thinkers such as Anselm, Scotus and Ockham.

[Pamela Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was more like a refresher course but at a higher level of learning.

It showed me how the thinkers during the time as Plato were asking questions and challenging.

What do you think? Is morality all relative?

It gives you a chance to reflect on what kind of person you are or want to be?

To question your life and the way you want or should live it.

I love history so this is a nice path of learning philosophy in the light of a journey up to the present modern philosophers.

[Brenda Britton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting so far, it is the text for my philosophy class. I have learned something about Socrates, Plato and Aristotle so far. Enjoyed the ethics class and learned much about the various philosophers.