The Fundamentals of Ethics
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Book Brief
The Fundamentals of Ethics
Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 2009322
Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction
•
Philosophy2010s
•
Community•
Justice•
Education2009
Oxford University Press
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Fundamentals of Ethics, by Russ Shafer-Landau, is an introductory guide for new students in moral philosophy, divided into three sections covering value theory, normative ethics, and metaethics. The book explores various ethical theories, including hedonism, desire satisfaction theory, natural law theory, psychological and ethical egoism, consequentialism, Kantian ethics, social contract theory, ethical pluralism, virtue ethics, and feminist ethics. It also examines metaethical topics like moral skepticism, relativism, and nihilism, providing students with a comprehensive overview of Western moral philosophy.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
The Fundamentals of Ethics by Russ Shafer-Landau is praised for its clear writing and comprehensive coverage of key ethical theories, making it accessible for students. However, some reviews mention a lack of depth in exploring complex topics and limited practical examples. Overall, it is a valuable introductory text for those new to ethical studies.
Who Should Read The Fundamentals of Ethics?
A reader who would enjoy The Fundamentals of Ethics by Russ Shafer-Landau is likely a student or enthusiast of philosophy, particularly ethics. Comparable to audience of James Rachels's The Elements of Moral Philosophy, these readers appreciate clear, accessible introductions to ethical concepts and theories.
1,547 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
An English philosopher famous for his work on utilitarianism and hedonism, with a distinct emphasis on different qualities of pleasure and contributions to political philosophy and women's rights.
A German philosopher renowned for his contributions to Enlightenment thought and the development of Kantian ethics, which emphasize moral duty as a categorical imperative, alongside works in epistemology and political philosophy.
An English thinker recognized for his social contract theory in the influential work Leviathan, where he explores the transition from a state of nature to civil society and the introduction of moral duties.
322
Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction
•
Philosophy2010s
•
Community•
Justice•
Education2009
Oxford University Press
Adult
18+ years
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