Preface
1. Introduction: What Is Ethics?
Simple Moral Reasoning, and the Fraudulent Doc
Complex Moral Reasoning, and Two Tragic Cases
Defending Moral Principles
Metaethics
Ethics
An Overview of Normative Theories
Questions for Reflection
Further
2. Subjectivism: Is Morality an Illusion?
The Humean Being
Skepticism
Two Forms of Subjectivism
Subjectivism and Argumentation
Objectivity
Expanding the Circle
Questions for Reflection
Further
3. Cultural Relativism: Does Each Culture Invent its Own Morality?
Alternatives to Universalism
The Case for Cultural Relativism
Assessing the Argument from Diversity
Consequences of Cultural Relativism
Toleration
Questions for Reflection
Further
4. The Divine Command View: Is Morality God’s Invention?
The Divine Command Theory and Human Nature
The Natural Law Theory
The Argument from Natural Law Theory
Test Tube Babies and Clones
Questions for Reflection
Further
5. Hedonism: Is the Pleasant Life the Best Life?
Value Hedonism Defended
The Appeal to Nature
Psychological Hedonism
First Defense: The Argument by
Extended Satisfaction
Second Defense: Appeal to
Introspection
Counterargument: The Hedonistic
Paradox
The Electronic Voluptuary
Gautama and Epicurus: Negative Happiness
Epicurus on Death
The No-Self Doctrine
Questions for Reflection
Further
6. Perfectionism: Do We Live Best When We Excel?
Confucius and the Self-Realization Theory of the Good
Becoming a Person
Roles and Relationships
The Nature Based Account of the Good
Daoism and Spontaneity
Aristotle and Human Flourishing
Reservations
Perfectionism and Exemplary Conduct
Virtue Ethics
True Person, True Friend
Questions for Reflection
Further Readings
7. Ethical Egoism: Is Duty a Matter of Self-Enhancement?
The Incapacity Defense
Main Difficulty: Psychological
Egoism
The Consequentialist Defense
The Reconciliation Defense and the Prisoner’s Dilemma
Ourselves, Others, and the Paradox of Altruism
The Malleability of Identity
Questions for Reflection
Further Readings
8. Utilitarianism: Does Duty Consist in Maximizing the Collective Good?
Classical Utilitarianism and Extreme Altruism
Reservations about Classical Utilitarianism
The Case of the Ruthless Major
The Organ ‘Donor’ Case
The Case of the Chronic Sufferer
Objectionable Impartiality Cases
Two-Tiered Utilitarianism
The Exceptions Objection
The Bad Rules Objection
Optimizing Versus Aggregating
Acts and Omissions, Killing and Letting Die
Questions for Reflection
Further Readings
9. Kantianism: Is Duty Respect for Humanity?
Morality Versus Prudence
Applying the Categorical Imperative
Consequences and Intentions
Absolutism and Conflicts of Duties
Respect for Persons
Autonomy
Diane’s Suicide
Questions for Reflection
Further Readings
10. Contractarianism: Is Duty the Outcome of an Ideal Agreement?
Hobbes and Interest-Based Contractarianism
The State of Nature and Absolute Sovereignty
Interest-Based Contractarianism
Locke and Democratic Contractarianism
The Basis of Liberty and Equality
Locke’s Account of the Social Contract\
Freedom of Religion
Questions for Reflection
Further Readings
11. The Contemporary Debate: What are Some Contemporary Approaches to Ethics?
A Moral Framework
The Principle of Beneficence
The Principle of Justice
Communitarianism
Virtue Ethics
Feminism and the Ethics of Care
Private and Public Spheres of Life
Questions for Reflection
Further Readings
Index