An Introduction to Moral Philosophy

From respected philosopher and writer Jonathan Wolff, this brief introduction to ethics stimulates independent thought, emphasises real-world examples, and provides clear and engaging introductions to key moral theories and the thinkers behind them. The new Second Edition offers expanded coverage of moral reasoning, as well as two thoughtful and contemporary new chapters on applying moral philosophy and the ethics of race. A companion primary source collection, Readings in Moral Philosophy, amplifies issues discussed in the text, connecting them to problems in applied ethics.

NEW COVERAGE OF MORAL REASONING AND APPLYING MORAL PHILOSOPHYNo other text does a better job of stimulating independent thought. Rather than telling students what to think about moral issues, An Introduction to Moral Philosophy teaches students how to think for themselves. The new edition enhances this strength by focusing on the importance of moral reasoning and challenging students to apply what they've learned to real-world issues. An updated test bank and resources for your LMS, including reading quizzes, reinforce key concepts and give students the opportunity to apply them to real-world scenarios.DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVEThe text includes an expansive, contemporary discussion of gender and race throughout, including separate chapters on each of these topics. From male privilege to Black Lives Matter, students will encounter moral philosophy's application to pressing issues of diversity and racial justice. Together, the text and reader introduce students to a diverse and inclusive range of voices.CLEAR EXPLANATIONS, REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES, HELPFUL LEARNING TOOLSThe text situates moral theories in their historical setting, revealing both, why they mattered in their time and why they remain relevant today. Compelling real-world examples, vivid illustrations drawn from other disciplines and useful learning aids throughout facilitate comprehension and engagement. New "Quick Review" units "Apply Your Learning" questions allow students to reinforce what they've just learned and apply it to moral arguments and problems-including some that they might find familiar.UNIQUE CHAPTER ON FREE WILL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITYThe question of free will and determinism hovers just below the surface of much moral thinking. Wolff brings it to the surface in a separate chapter. Moral philosophy is riven with issues of praise and blame, rooted in the assumption that people are responsible for their actions. But students with exposure to fields such as sociology, biology or neuroscience might question whether human actions are chosen (free will) or determined. Wolff explores these possibilities and spells out the implications of a deterministic existence for moral philosophy. No other text addresses this core issue.