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Contemporary Moral and Social Issues is a uniquely entertaining introduction that brings ethical thought to life. It makes innovative use of engaging, topically oriented original short fiction, together with classic and influential readings and editorial discussion as a means of helping students think philosophically about ethical theory and practical ethical problems.
* Introduces students to ethical theory and a range of practical moral issues through a combination of key primary texts, clear editorial commentary, and engaging, original fiction
* Includes discussion of topics such as world poverty, abortion, animals, the environment, and genetic engineering, containing "Facts and Factual Issues" for each topic to give students an up-to-date understanding of related factual issues.
* Uses immersive, original short works of fiction as a means to engage students to think philosophically about serious ethical issues
List of contents
Preface xv
Acknowledgments xvii
Source Acknowledgments xviii
Part I Introduction: Values 1
Part II Moral Theory 45
Part III Morality and Politics 119
Part IV World Poverty 173
Part V Abortion 227
Part VI Animals 279
Part VII The Environment 329
Part VIII Genetics 377
About the author
Thomas D. Davis taught at the University of Michigan, Grinnell College, the University of Redlands, San Jose State University, and De Anza College. In addition to writing four editions of Philosophy: An Introduction Through Original Fiction, Discussion and Readings (fourth edition, 2004), he is the author of three published novels: Suffer Little Children (1991), Murdered Sleep (1994), and Consuming Fire (1996).
Summary
Contemporary Moral and Social Issues makes innovative use of fiction as a vehicle for engaging students to think philosophically about ethical issues. The first three chapters provide a general dialogue on value theory, moral theory, and moral issues in politics.
