An Introduction to Ethical Theories

Book excerpt: In this general introduction to ethical theory, Chapter I introduces the reader to philosophical thinking, philosophy's domain, the value of philosophy, and the nature of philosophical ethics. The second chapter examines various impediments to ethical theory including nihilism, determinism, skeptism, relativism, emotivism, egoism, and divine command theory. With these impediments surmounted the subsequent chapters focus on major ethical theories including natural law, virtue, contract, deontological, utilitarianism, existentialism, evolutionary, and feminist. Each chapter systematically presents, critiques, and assesses both classical and contemporary formulations of theory in language accessible to the uninitiated. The author neither dismisses nor advocates particular theories but gives them a fair hearing in a rational forum. The final chapter presents the author's own moral theory in a straightforward but non-dogmatic manner.