The Big Questions: Ethics

by Julian Baggini

'The Big Questions' series is designed to let renowned experts confront the 20 most fundamental and frequently asked questions of a major branch of science or philosophy. In 'The Big Questions: Ethics' Julian Baggini, one of Britain's best-known philosophers, condenses complex, contemporary issues of right and wrong into 20 key questions. He examines how we can start to answer them, what they might mean to us and how they influence the way we choose to live our lives. Among the ideas debated are: What is free will? Can it ever be right to kill? Is terrorism ever justified? Should euthanasia be legal? Are some people superior to others? Do animals have rights?

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Education

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2012

About the author

Julian Baggini is a British philosopher and the author of several books about philosophy written for a general audience. He is the author of The Pig that Wants to be Eaten and 99 other thought experiments (2005) and is co-founder and editor of The Philosophers' Magazine. He was awarded his Ph.D. in 1996 from University College London for a thesis on the philosophy of personal identity. In addition to his popular philosophy books, Baggini contributes to The Guardian, The Independent, The Observer, and the BBC. He has been a regular guest on BBC Radio 4's In Our Time.

Reviews

[Rosalind · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thought-provoking and challenging introduction to the tricky field of ethics and moral philosophy. Many of us like to think we live our lives in an ethical way, but if we really stop and consider the implications of what we do, is it really the most moral thing all round? Can it be possible that the most distasteful option is actually the best outcome for the world in general? Is it even possible to say what it moral?

Julian Baggini takes us though a number of scenarios, from the fat man on the railway bridge to questions of abortion, euthanasia, war and torture, examining them from an ethical viewpoint. Baggini makes a difficult subject accessible, but that doesn't mean it's comfortable reading. In the end we may reasonably come to the conclusion that living according to strict ethical principles is neither sustainable nor desirab;e

[Esperance A Mulonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I liked the simplicity of the language. I will always love books that make philosophy accessible without insulting the intelligence of normies. However, I have read a lot about the concepts that were explored in this book. So although I enjoyed myself, it did not blow my mind.

I would still recommend the book to people who are interested in Ethics.

[David Msomba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read,if you are interested on controversial/dilemma subjects like abortion,euthanasia,moral relativism,sex,golden rule,existence of God(s) even climate change.
It provide a new perspective on how to engage on these subjects.

[Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highlights:

Not everyone has the same idea of how they should be treated by others, not everyone will be led by the Golden Rule to the same moral maxims.

The Golden Rule is not useless, but it is not as useful or informative as it often appears.. it can be seen as a reminder.. to look at things more objectively, taking into account the perspectives, needs and desires of others as well as ourselves.. it is a call to empathy.. however, the idea that it provides a universal basis for substantive morality just doesn’t fly. That is why, despite the fact that everyone seems to agree on a need for the Golden Rule, we still don’t agree about how we should actually live.

If you look at how we actually make moral decisions, we do not and could not calculate all the likely effects of our actions every time we make a decision.

To recognise you could do something to contribute to a better, fairer world does not place you under an obligation to actually do it.

Emotion is thus the tool by which reason gets us to do what reason demands.

We can identify many things that matter for morality: happiness, respect, equality and so on. But it is impossible to say that one principle is the master principle, from which all other moral rules are derived. In different times, at different places, for different people, moral priorities change. Just as babies, children, adults and the elderly need to be treated differently, so other variations in the human condition require different moral responses. That, I suspect, is the truth that makes some kind of relativism inevitable.

[Eric Lawton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the questions that western philosophers discuss in ethics for those with a beginning interest in philosophy. A fairly practical view although sticking to toy problems, so you will get some value out of it even if you don't dig into any of them more. You may not change your mind on any of the issues but you should get a sense that some are more complex than you thought.
20 issues include:
Should euthanasia be legal?
What can science tell us about morality?
Can terrorism ever be justified?
How much should we give to charity?

[Doug Newdick · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are after an introduction to the big questions in ethics, you could do worse than read this short book by Julian Baggini. If you are after some help in thinking about the big ethical questions in your life then there probably aren't many better books than this. Baggini covers the important (and tough) questions, certainly the ones that are important in my family: should we protect the environment? Is free trade fair trade? Do animals have rights? What is a just war? Baggini never talks down to his readers, and he has an impressive focus on the practical as well as the theoretical problems and arguments. If anything, the book gets occasionally too technical (and pedantic) for the non-philosophical reader, but don't let that put you off. Thinking harder and better about these problems can only be a good thing.

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the world in black and white? Want all those pesky issues just cleared away in one stroke? This is not your book. But in short chapters, the writer does present the ethical issues and presents arguments both for and against. Mr. Baggini has opinions and sometimes clearly shows them. Or at least appears to. But he's really just laying out the territory for you to explore on your own or with others. This book is not written to be incomprehensible -- it's very clear.

Here are just a few sample essays. Is terrorism ever justified? Should euthanasia be legal? Are we responsible for our actions? Without God, is everything permitted?

Have fun. Don't expect answers. It's all about the journey, not the desination, people.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to some of the big questions in ethics, it's well written, clear and without too much philosophical jargon. I was disappointed with a couple of the chapters but that's to be expected with any book. My only real criticism is the absence of a recommended reading list, this is key for any introduction to a topic.

[Sambo Ponhkun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind Blowing

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an accessible book with clear explanations of ethical questions linked to the main philosophical viewpoints. Very useful for year 9 upwards in teaching ethics.

[L · Rating 1 out of 5]

悶，不要花時間讀

[Rob Adey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to ethics, clearly written.