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Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics: An Introduction to Theories of Right and Wrong
Ideas have consequences. And sometimes those ideas can be squeezed in to slogans, slapped on bumper stickers and tweeted into cyberspace. These compact messages coming at us from all directions often compress in a few words entire ethical systems. It turns out that there's a lot more to the ideas behind these slogans--ideas that need to be sorted out before we make important moral decisions as individuals or as societies. In this revised and expanded edition of Steve Wilkens's widely-used text, the author has updated his introductions to basic ethical
cultural relativismethical egoismutilitarianismbehaviorismsituation ethicsKantian ethicsvirtue ethicsnatural law ethicsdivine command theoryHe has also added two new
evolutionary ethicsnarrative ethicsWith clarity and wit Wilkens unpacks the complicated ideas behind the slogans and offers Christian evaluations of each.
cultural relativismethical egoismutilitarianismbehaviorismsituation ethicsKantian ethicsvirtue ethicsnatural law ethicsdivine command theoryHe has also added two new
evolutionary ethicsnarrative ethicsWith clarity and wit Wilkens unpacks the complicated ideas behind the slogans and offers Christian evaluations of each.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2011
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176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 7, 2025
It’s a good book to understand Christian Ethics. I got a really good perspective on it. Definitely more for a lecture class discussion for a general read.
March 8, 2018
This is a great book that simply lays out various ethical ideologies and worldviews. We read this as part of a senior capstone in college, and I think more schools should add it to their curriculum.
June 22, 2012
Wilkens, Steve. Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2011, 2nd edition.*
Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics (hereafter BBSE), now in its second edition, is an introductory text to normative systems of ethics focusing on the main ethical systems espoused throughout the centuries (e.g. cultural relativism, egoism, virtue ethics, divine command theory, etc.). While most people have never heard of names such as “egoism” or “Kantianism” and what they entail, Wilkens starts with an experience that is common to most everyone: catchy slogans one is likely to find on a bumper sticker that essentially sums up an ethical system. For example, one may have never heard of the phrase “Ethical Egoism” but may be well familiar with the phrase “Look out for number one,” which ethical egoism asserts. And so Wilkens wants to use these various familiar phrases as a departure to explore the various ethical systems and make explicit what is only implicit in these various bumper sticker one-liners (13).
The first chapter provides an introduction to the book where Wilkens discusses his method, along with other issues pertaining to ethics (worldviews, metaphysics, human nature, the discipline of ethics, etc.). Chapters 2-12 discuss eleven different ethical systems from cultural relativism to Kantian ethics to virtue ethics and divine command theory. In each chapter Wilkens provides a helpful introduction to the particular ethical system by expounding, at a somewhat high level, the main features of the ethical system. Wilkens then summarizes what the ethical system espouses, offers positive commendation, and then follows with critique by asking critical questions and then elaborating one what he sees as problematic. Furthermore, Wilkens is not only a moral philosopher but also a Christian, so his critiques that he makes of ethical systems come from a Christian worldview. So for example, cultural relativism, ethical egoism, behaviorism, and evolutionary ethics are all hostile to the Christian worldview because they all assume the non-existence of God.
In the final chapter Wilkens concludes by discussing how one may go about working through what one’s belief is about which ethical system to hold, especially since the book may give the impression that Wilkens is throwing out all of these options but is himself not coming down on one himself. (One critique of this chapter is that it comes across very individualistic, where I think it may have been helpful, especially from a Christian standpoint, to discuss working these ethical systems out within the context of a community of believers.)
One may quibble here and there with what Wilkens says, but if you are looking for an introductory textbook that assumes zero background knowledge of ethics, I would highly recommend this book! It would be a great book to give to a high school or freshman level college student.
*Review copy provided by Intervarsity Press
Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics (hereafter BBSE), now in its second edition, is an introductory text to normative systems of ethics focusing on the main ethical systems espoused throughout the centuries (e.g. cultural relativism, egoism, virtue ethics, divine command theory, etc.). While most people have never heard of names such as “egoism” or “Kantianism” and what they entail, Wilkens starts with an experience that is common to most everyone: catchy slogans one is likely to find on a bumper sticker that essentially sums up an ethical system. For example, one may have never heard of the phrase “Ethical Egoism” but may be well familiar with the phrase “Look out for number one,” which ethical egoism asserts. And so Wilkens wants to use these various familiar phrases as a departure to explore the various ethical systems and make explicit what is only implicit in these various bumper sticker one-liners (13).
The first chapter provides an introduction to the book where Wilkens discusses his method, along with other issues pertaining to ethics (worldviews, metaphysics, human nature, the discipline of ethics, etc.). Chapters 2-12 discuss eleven different ethical systems from cultural relativism to Kantian ethics to virtue ethics and divine command theory. In each chapter Wilkens provides a helpful introduction to the particular ethical system by expounding, at a somewhat high level, the main features of the ethical system. Wilkens then summarizes what the ethical system espouses, offers positive commendation, and then follows with critique by asking critical questions and then elaborating one what he sees as problematic. Furthermore, Wilkens is not only a moral philosopher but also a Christian, so his critiques that he makes of ethical systems come from a Christian worldview. So for example, cultural relativism, ethical egoism, behaviorism, and evolutionary ethics are all hostile to the Christian worldview because they all assume the non-existence of God.
In the final chapter Wilkens concludes by discussing how one may go about working through what one’s belief is about which ethical system to hold, especially since the book may give the impression that Wilkens is throwing out all of these options but is himself not coming down on one himself. (One critique of this chapter is that it comes across very individualistic, where I think it may have been helpful, especially from a Christian standpoint, to discuss working these ethical systems out within the context of a community of believers.)
One may quibble here and there with what Wilkens says, but if you are looking for an introductory textbook that assumes zero background knowledge of ethics, I would highly recommend this book! It would be a great book to give to a high school or freshman level college student.
*Review copy provided by Intervarsity Press
December 3, 2008
This breezy book was, surprisingly, a very, very good introduction to a few of the most popular ethical theories. I've read about 4 introductions to ethics over the past year or so, and though this one wasn't the best all around (so far I've given that award to Pojman), it is probably the best for the philosophical novice. I'd say this book would be perfect for a highschooler or college freshman.
Wilkens was very fair with all the positions he discussed, making sure to mention the positive elements of each theory before he mentioned "possible" problems for each theory. One thing many readers might think while reading this book is that because Wilkens takes just one major expositor of the ethical theory under discussion and discusses the theory succinctly, he doesn't present all the ins-and-outs of the position, or doesn't relay perhaps your personal spin on the ethical theory under discussion. A lot of times that's a fair criticism. I usually tend to be annoyed if an author leaves out obvious rejoinders to his arguments, or doesn't present a version of the (particular) theory not subject to his critiques. But keep in mind the introductory nature of this book. Wilkens goes above and beyond what most authors would do and admits that he didn't cover everything and that readers may find that their particular expression of a theory he discusses is different (to a degree) than his expression of that theory.
"Bumper Sticker Ethics" takes various theories and memorably boils each one down to a cliché or pithy saying that encapsulates the essence of the position. So, for example, 'cultural relativism' is that theory that, basically, teaches, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." The theories Wilkens discusses are:
i) Cultural Relativism
ii) Ethical Egoism
iii) Behaviorism
iv) Utilitarianism
v) Kantian Ethics
vi) Virtue Ethics
vii) Situation Ethics
viii) Natural Law Ethics
ix) Divine Command Theory
As I said above, he was fair with all of them and kept various specifics of his own worldview out of his appraisal, invoking only more broad criticisms that all Christians could agree with. The only two exceptions to this that I found where: (a) He assumed libertarian free will to answer behaviorism (other than that he, surprisingly for a contemporary evangelical philosopher, kept his libertarian evaluations to himself), and (b) he treated God's attribute of 'love' as somehow the most 'basic' or 'ultimate' attribute of God.
So, if you want a book that assumes no familiarity with discussing things philosophically (as, e.g., Pojman's does not) as an introduction to ethics, or you're looking for a book for your highschooler on ethics, or maybe you want to talk to youth and use pithy, catchy sayings, whereby they can categorize each system by, then this book is for you.
Wilkens was very fair with all the positions he discussed, making sure to mention the positive elements of each theory before he mentioned "possible" problems for each theory. One thing many readers might think while reading this book is that because Wilkens takes just one major expositor of the ethical theory under discussion and discusses the theory succinctly, he doesn't present all the ins-and-outs of the position, or doesn't relay perhaps your personal spin on the ethical theory under discussion. A lot of times that's a fair criticism. I usually tend to be annoyed if an author leaves out obvious rejoinders to his arguments, or doesn't present a version of the (particular) theory not subject to his critiques. But keep in mind the introductory nature of this book. Wilkens goes above and beyond what most authors would do and admits that he didn't cover everything and that readers may find that their particular expression of a theory he discusses is different (to a degree) than his expression of that theory.
"Bumper Sticker Ethics" takes various theories and memorably boils each one down to a cliché or pithy saying that encapsulates the essence of the position. So, for example, 'cultural relativism' is that theory that, basically, teaches, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." The theories Wilkens discusses are:
i) Cultural Relativism
ii) Ethical Egoism
iii) Behaviorism
iv) Utilitarianism
v) Kantian Ethics
vi) Virtue Ethics
vii) Situation Ethics
viii) Natural Law Ethics
ix) Divine Command Theory
As I said above, he was fair with all of them and kept various specifics of his own worldview out of his appraisal, invoking only more broad criticisms that all Christians could agree with. The only two exceptions to this that I found where: (a) He assumed libertarian free will to answer behaviorism (other than that he, surprisingly for a contemporary evangelical philosopher, kept his libertarian evaluations to himself), and (b) he treated God's attribute of 'love' as somehow the most 'basic' or 'ultimate' attribute of God.
So, if you want a book that assumes no familiarity with discussing things philosophically (as, e.g., Pojman's does not) as an introduction to ethics, or you're looking for a book for your highschooler on ethics, or maybe you want to talk to youth and use pithy, catchy sayings, whereby they can categorize each system by, then this book is for you.
July 11, 2014
If you are a Christian, 'Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics' is a great introduction to different ethical systems. It is well written and easy to understand. Going through relativism, utilitarianism, Kantian ethics and many more, Wells looks for the good in each ethical system and does not reject any ethical ideas simply because they are not 'Christian', this is something I appreciated.
I was a bit disappointed at the explanation of natural law, since there was no mention of the Aristotelian essentialist metaphysical system Aquinas based his theory of ethics upon. Divorced from his metaphysics, the theory cannot truly be understood. The consequence of not lining out the metaphysical system was manifest in the first potential problem Wells lists for natural law. Wells suggests getting from facts to values is a problem for natural law ethics, but from Aquinas's traditional metaphysical system's point of view, there simply is no 'fact/value distinction' in the first place. 'Value' is built into the structure of the 'facts' from the beginning.
I am aware that Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics is an introduction, and Wells admits himself at the end of the book of only sketching out each ethical system broadly. Thus, this was only a minor problem within an otherwise great book.
This is a good resource to begin one's investigation into different theories of right and wrong. Highly recommended!
I was a bit disappointed at the explanation of natural law, since there was no mention of the Aristotelian essentialist metaphysical system Aquinas based his theory of ethics upon. Divorced from his metaphysics, the theory cannot truly be understood. The consequence of not lining out the metaphysical system was manifest in the first potential problem Wells lists for natural law. Wells suggests getting from facts to values is a problem for natural law ethics, but from Aquinas's traditional metaphysical system's point of view, there simply is no 'fact/value distinction' in the first place. 'Value' is built into the structure of the 'facts' from the beginning.
I am aware that Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics is an introduction, and Wells admits himself at the end of the book of only sketching out each ethical system broadly. Thus, this was only a minor problem within an otherwise great book.
This is a good resource to begin one's investigation into different theories of right and wrong. Highly recommended!
October 14, 2014
Una obra de introducción a la Ética, destinada a interesados en el tema sean alumnos o no. Su punto de partida es una serie de frases cortas, eso que se llama "bumper stickers" y que son leyendas muy breves que suelen estar en calcomanías adheridas a los coches. Frases que en apariencia son razonables y populares, que al autor le sirven como puntos de partida para explicas diversas escuelas éticas.
Frases como "no lo pude evitar", "sé bueno", "todo lo que necesitas es amor" y otras más muestran maneras de pensar en el terreno ético y ellas son examinadas por el autor: las explica, resume, y destaca sus puntos acertados y sus errores.
Frases como "no lo pude evitar", "sé bueno", "todo lo que necesitas es amor" y otras más muestran maneras de pensar en el terreno ético y ellas son examinadas por el autor: las explica, resume, y destaca sus puntos acertados y sus errores.
June 8, 2016
If you have the same views as the writer and you're looking to reaffirm those beliefs, this book is great.
If you want to learn about a variety of ethical beliefs? Not so much. This book often misrepresents others view points in favor of its own or chooses more obscure viewpoints easier to counter than ones more widely held.
Also it considers homosexuality an ethical dilemma.
Needless to say I hated this.
If you want to learn about a variety of ethical beliefs? Not so much. This book often misrepresents others view points in favor of its own or chooses more obscure viewpoints easier to counter than ones more widely held.
Also it considers homosexuality an ethical dilemma.
Needless to say I hated this.
July 8, 2008
This book is also to help me for my written exam towards completion of my comprehensive exams. As I read this book, I am building my own ethical framework. Who else has constructed theirs? When I first started this book... I didn't have any ethics whatsoever, but layer by layer, I am constructing and by the end, I should have a great, big, fabulous framework of Ethics.
July 5, 2016
Good overview. I just wish he would synthesize and land. So open ended.
September 22, 2020
What makes something morally right or morally wrong? And how can we know whether something is right or wrong? Wilkens takes on a journey through 11 different paradigms for answering these questions from cultural relativism (morality is defined by culture) to divine command theory ("God said so, that's why") to utilitarianism (maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the most people) to ethical egoism (acting in my own best interests is always the ethical thing to do) among others. Note, this is about ethical theory as opposed to applied ethics...that is, rather than looking at specific questions of right and wrong (e.g. abortion, etc.) this book looks at the underlying framework that we use to approach such questions.
I love this book for two reasons: One, it challenges us to see beyond our own cultural framework. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking our own worldview is the only worldview (or, just as bad, that there's only two worldviews: ours and "their's"). By exposing the reader to eleven different conceptions of morality, Wilkens helps us to challenge the moral basis we take for granted and develop a more robust framework for ourselves.
Two, Wilkens writes from a Christian point of view, showing both the advantages and disadvantages of each ethical framework in light of Christianity. It turns out there's something we can learn from each of these paradigms. For example, "Cultural Relativism" reminds us of the danger of taking our own culture norms for granted. Conversely, each of these paradigms runs into difficulties that one must deal with.
Wilkens' concluding chapter is especially helpful in making sense of all this data. There he cautions us against apathy or cynicism, instead exhorting us to use this survey as a launching point for assessing and developing our own moral framework (he even offers an example of how a hypothetical student might go about this).
Overall, I found this an excellent, accessible introduction to the philosophical underpinnings of ethics. It's a relatively easy read, so I would highly recommend this to anyone who has not delved into the field of ethical theory before. And, yes, you should explore the field of ethics because it's an integral part of everyone's life.
I love this book for two reasons: One, it challenges us to see beyond our own cultural framework. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking our own worldview is the only worldview (or, just as bad, that there's only two worldviews: ours and "their's"). By exposing the reader to eleven different conceptions of morality, Wilkens helps us to challenge the moral basis we take for granted and develop a more robust framework for ourselves.
Two, Wilkens writes from a Christian point of view, showing both the advantages and disadvantages of each ethical framework in light of Christianity. It turns out there's something we can learn from each of these paradigms. For example, "Cultural Relativism" reminds us of the danger of taking our own culture norms for granted. Conversely, each of these paradigms runs into difficulties that one must deal with.
Wilkens' concluding chapter is especially helpful in making sense of all this data. There he cautions us against apathy or cynicism, instead exhorting us to use this survey as a launching point for assessing and developing our own moral framework (he even offers an example of how a hypothetical student might go about this).
Overall, I found this an excellent, accessible introduction to the philosophical underpinnings of ethics. It's a relatively easy read, so I would highly recommend this to anyone who has not delved into the field of ethical theory before. And, yes, you should explore the field of ethics because it's an integral part of everyone's life.
July 23, 2018
This book did a good job of outline various theories of morality and how to be an ethical person. It then talked through the pros of each system and also the cons or holes in the system. The book has a Christian perspective so there is also much talk of how these various systems fit into a Christian worldview.
Overall a good introduction to philosophy!
Overall a good introduction to philosophy!
September 12, 2019
Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics provides a brief but valuable introduction to eleven major ethical systems. The author presents a well-balanced view that fairly represents the arguments both for and against each moral philosophy.
January 16, 2020
One of the most frustrating books I’ve ever read. But it’s as satisfying as it is frustrating.
September 21, 2020
Good introduction to ethical systems from a Christian world view.
June 27, 2024
Helpful introduction to various ethical systems.
February 1, 2025
Really helpful (and easy to understand) overview of different ethical theories.
November 12, 2012
Purpose for Reading: Required reading for Ethics class
Blessings: The book is very honest. Wilkens went through all the ethical theories with honest evaluation, giving its pros and cons. Man-made ethical theories will indeed have some benefits; but they will always have one or more weaknesses.
Disappointments: While I understand that this book's purpose is to introduce the various theories of ethics, it is disappointing, however, not to have an extended discussion on biblical-based.
Conclusion: This book is well-written and well-researched. It is honest and scholarly, yet easy to read. Wilkens helps the readers not just to react to the different theories and thoughts, but rather to evaluate them in light of Scripture. The book doesn't really deal with ethical issues, but on ethical thinking. So if that is what you are looking for, buy a copy, read, practice discernment, think with the author, and evaluate.
Blessings: The book is very honest. Wilkens went through all the ethical theories with honest evaluation, giving its pros and cons. Man-made ethical theories will indeed have some benefits; but they will always have one or more weaknesses.
Disappointments: While I understand that this book's purpose is to introduce the various theories of ethics, it is disappointing, however, not to have an extended discussion on biblical-based.
Conclusion: This book is well-written and well-researched. It is honest and scholarly, yet easy to read. Wilkens helps the readers not just to react to the different theories and thoughts, but rather to evaluate them in light of Scripture. The book doesn't really deal with ethical issues, but on ethical thinking. So if that is what you are looking for, buy a copy, read, practice discernment, think with the author, and evaluate.
February 6, 2012
Yeah. Not great but probably not a bad introduction into theories of right and wrong. I am not knowledgeable to say if the book is fair and balance or not but the author is clear that he is trying to be. He is clear about his judging the theories based both on reason and his Christian faith. He has a very particular perception of the Christian faith that I am not sure I share but that doesn't necessarily influence the value of the book. I find that 'reason' when applied strictly is pretty silly and nit picky. The author does a good job with the last chapter. He leaves us to choose for ourselves and is clear that the best choice is probably pretty personal and will include elements of all.
January 10, 2023
I picked this book up in a classroom when I was the substitute teacher for the day. Glad I did. I am now able to help my daughter understand a lot more about her own ethical decisions. And I appreciate the approach the author used - discussing 11 different theories, some that are more theological, and some not. And then he didn't say that one was right or the best. He gave positives and negatives/questions in each chapter.
I believe every student should read this before going to college.
I believe every student should read this before going to college.
August 26, 2009
I really enjoyed this read. I think the author did an excellent job of putting theories into writing and offering both positive and negative aspects of each theory. He then smoothly ties it all together in a way that someone with no prior teachings in Philosophy can understand. I loved that at the end of the book he also helps the reader determine a way to explore his or her own philosophy.
July 5, 2014
Most ethics books are either admirably dry and deadly boring or nasty, gross, and immoral. You tend to feel either like you're being sat on by an elephant or like there's germy seaweed sprouting out of your hair.:P This book is a miracle. It's still boring, of course--the subject simply is a dull one--but the author can write as well as C.S. Lewis and his point of view is impartial but clean.
February 27, 2017
This book gives a quick overview of multiple ethical views. This book is written from a Biblical perspective so all the ethical view and systems are measured up to what Scripture has to say. I had to read it for a class but it was an informative and interesting read to discover what people believe and where people are coming from.
November 26, 2011
A great introduction to ethics. This can be a quick read but should be digested slowly. There is much to chew on. I especially appreciated reading about ethical egoism using Ayn Rand as an example. This book is very well written and easy to understand.
January 30, 2014
This is a good introductory book on different philosophies and how we live our lives based on our (often) hidden philosophy on life. This is also a good refresher book for anyone who has studied philosophy before but needed to get up to speed quickly.
October 25, 2017
I had mixed feelings about this book. Sometimes it seemed to be simplistic and slanted to a particular viewpoint. But the author admits at least that it was meant to be an introduction to ethics, and I can accept that.
August 27, 2007
This is a very interesting book. Nice and thought provoking.
November 19, 2008
A good basic text on the different ethical theories. An easy read. Worth picking up if you know nothing about ethics or need a brief refresher.
December 13, 2009
Excellent! Really makes you think about what you and others believe.
Currently reading
July 14, 2010Here I go...
May 12, 2013
A good and practical foundation for further study.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews