KEY Using a clear, jargon-free style and a flexible organization, this book introduces readers with little or no background in philosophy or ethics to traditional and contemporary ethical theory. Through an abundance of examples and case studies, it shows them how to set up their own systematic, rational ethics and how to apply ethical theories to traditional and contemporary moral issues.
There are two things to consider with a textbook of this sort: how thoroughly does it cover the material, and how well does it manage to communicate that material to the reader. This book succeeds gloriously on both counts. Obviously, if the subject of Philosophy in general and Ethics in particular don't interest you, you won't enjoy this book. But if you have an interest in the subject, and need a basic intro to it, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better one.
I've enjoyed using this book for class, it's taught me a lot. Yet when reading the first chapter, I found an error in the 10 commandments. I pray this is just an error, but I doubt it. Teaching 9 Commandments, created by splitting the last commandments to make two, rounding it out to 10. While leaving out one, you are changing Gods word. Which is not Good for the author or those learning with an open mind... how can a book on Ethical standards and behavior misrepresents GODS WORD???
The overuse of commas is annoying and makes it somewhat difficult to read. It seems like they purposely overcomplicated the wording of sentences, which is obnoxious when most readers of this book are reading, for the most part, against their will. The book is also extremely biased, with the authors’ opinions being clear in every chapter. I’m not religious but I can see why the wording of the religious portions offended some others in these reviews.
Had to read this book for a Winter class. I thought it was very unique in that it showed you how to create a moral view. The authors provide both positives and negatives of well known views which allow the reader to make their own decisions on whether or not to accept them.