A Concise Introduction to Ethics

by Russ Shafer-Landau

A Concise Introduction to Ethics offers a condensed and exceptionally well-written introduction to the essential moral theories. Based on Russ Shafer-Landau's best-selling primer on ethical theory, The Fundamentals of Ethics, this briefer volume retains the longer one's content advantage over competing books by addressing issues that other texts omit, including the good life (value theory), natural law, and prima facie duties. It also incorporates discussion questions and case studies at the end of each chapter, giving students the opportunity to apply ethical theories to real-world moral problems.

A perfect companion to Shafer-Landau's anthology, The Ethical Life, this volume's compact size and low price make A Concise Introduction to Ethics an ideal complement to any course where it is important that students understand moral theories.

Genres: Philosophy

240 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2019

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

A brief overview- and introduction to a variety of moral theories. Although the book has a clear structure and seems to deal with most of the important theories, I often found it to be lacking essential information on the actual theory instead of which the author seems to feel the need to express his own opinion for pages on end. Although he seems to phrase it as different arguments for- and against, there is not a page where he does not express his own vision - on the argument ór on the theory. Aside from lacking actual 'information' on the theories, this made the book lack a more modern and actual critical note of all theories discussed. I personally would not recommend this book as an actual introductions to ethics; it is well written but reads more like an essay and misses essential information and topicality.

[Persy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required reading for my Intro to Ethics course in college... and it was honestly a perfect introduction. This book broke down key concepts and discussed ethical implications all while being engaging for the reader.

Pretty happy with it!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful as the core text for my ethics class. Used in fall 2022 and using again in spring 2023

[Jack Ogden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent intro to ethical frameworks. Some of the authors efforts to "debunk" ethical frameworks failed to be convincing.