Moral Philosophy: A Reader

by Louis P. Pojman

Book by Pojman, Louis P.

Genres: Philosophy, School, Nonfiction, Academic, Reference

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Ray Wilkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good anthology for an upper level class on Moral Philosophy. I would have gone a different route with some of the selections but of course most reviewers are going to have their subjective biases. I supplemented the book with some other primary source works on Ethics but will definitely use it again.

[William Vanderburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this to teach from. I like the breadth of coverage, and the approach. For the most part. Some of the changes from earlier editions I wish could be undone, for example I would like to see Kai Neilson back in. The Applied Ethics section could be longer and more diverse.

[Br Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent selections of philosophical texts in ethics. All the major players are present and accessible.

[Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

Required reading for an ethics course for my EdD program. Hard to get through.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A textbook read, very academic but at least not super technical. I'm a bit biased since philosophy interests me but it's a very acquired taste.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent introduction to the various theories of ethics with pro and con essays and excerpts on each theory. It gives, in one handy collection, insight into the thought processes that shaped--and continues to shape--our world today. I enjoyed reading this book and it has actually caused me to say to several friends and co-workers, "I'm enjoying studying philosophy."

I also wrote a blog post regarding one of the essays in the Applied Ethics part. You can read the post by going to my blog, Speaking for Life.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has many of the essential readings, and I think overall the editing has been well done. I was a bit surprised by the portions selected from Thomas Aquinas--I think there are better selections. I also think that the book would benefit from adding readings about cognitivism and noncognitivism in morality--given that these seem to be central to metaethical debates today. I also feel like the section on Utilitarianism could use another article defending a utilitarian view. Overall, I think the book is excellent as an introduction to ethics text.

[Sylvan Finger]

I don't know how to rate this. Many of the documents seem prematurely published. However, many were probably more journal entries of moral philosophical ideas. There is a great verity of ideas to stimulate the mind. So what is moral? Every idea has is strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps we ought to leave it to the philosophers as to what is most moral for the kingdom of earth.

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the only primary source text I got from my 300-level Philosophy class, and this is NOT a 300-level book. The book has a decidedly right-wing slant, and the excerpts are cut at interesting places so as to obscure the meaning of the texts. Don't read it as your only source.

[Mesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read it for a university course. Was an interesting read, even if some of the great philosophers were rather difficult understand on the first go over. Glad I took the course and glad I read through this text.

[Courtney Chappell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so boring. I had to read it for my philosophy class. I could not get through any of the chapters without my eyes glazing over or falling asleep. I can't wait to get rid of this book and never read it again.

[Chris Kalbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book from a wide range of philosophers. The works are well chosen and show many different views of ethics.

[Mills College Library]

170 M8282 2009