A Practical Companion to Ethics - Softcover

Weston, Anthony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195105346 ISBN 13: 9780195105346

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1996

Synopsis

A Practical Companion to Ethics is an accessibly written, concise introduction to the basic attitudes and skills that make ethics work, like thinking for oneself, creative and integrative problem-solving, and keeping an open mind. This unique volume illuminates the broad kinds of practical intelligence required in moral judgment, complementing the narrower theoretical considerations that often dominate ethics courses. It offers practical instruction in problem-solving by demonstrating how to frame an ethical problem and deal effectively with ethical disagreements. This book also addresses issues of the heart--the call to responsiveness and care that underlies formal ethical theories.
Appendices offer students advice about writing papers and offer instructors a range of creative and participatory ways to teach ethics. The optimistic tone and brisk pace of the narrative provide an entertaining and intelligent guide to "everyday" morality. This highly practical volume is ideal for courses in introductory ethics, with applications in any course related to critical thinking and applied ethics.

About this title

About the Author:

Anthony Weston, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Elon College.

Review:

"Just what I have been looking for to introduce my students to the study of ethics. Weston is readable but not simplistic, interesting but never patronizing."--Frederick E. Blumer, Baldwin-Wallace College

"This well-crafted volume is a valuable addition to undergraduate courses in Ethics. The language is illuminating and the work concisely introduces students to the process of ethical thinking. In addition, a helpful narrative, 'How to Write an Ethics Paper,' enables students to have a
much-needed practical tool before them. A most useful work."--Harold C. Warlick, Jr., High Point University

"Very well written--might be a good ancillary reading text."--John F. Harrold, College of the Desert

"This book eloquently fills the gaps between a standard theory-plus-problems text and real-life decision making. The suggestions given in the appendix for teachers are wonderful and daring."--Robert M. Gordon, University of Missouri, St. Louis

"Finally, a book has been published that explains the basics of ethics and their study in language that is easily understood by students. Many of the problems that students confront when studying ethics, and that I have struggled to explain, are clearly addressed by Weston."--Terry L. Derting,
Murray State University

"A useful companion to introductory ethics courses. The book is written with heart and would serve as a balance to the more theoretical aspects of ethics courses. I like the emphasis on re-framing problems; too often ethics is taught as dealing with dilemmas. The "discovery paper" is a novel
approach that I will try in my class."--Darryl Mehring, University of Colorado at Denver

"Best text I've used in my introductory ethics course. My students respond enthusiastically to Weston's observations and suggestions."--Verna Gehring, Hood College

"Absolutely excellent. Very readable. References in notes wonderful for the scholars among us!"--Justine A. Geiger, Salve University

"What a great little gift from Anthony Weston to all who want to teach and learn ethics. It is a coherently and humanly written 'conversation' that distills the kinds of things we discuss in class and sets the ethos of an ethics course. It is rich with references, yet a conversation that gives
us the benefits of Weston's teaching experience and wisdom. In true Weston style, it is a book that asks students to bring their hearts and minds to the understanding of everyday problems, of fashioning their integrity, and of guiding them to spend time on questions." --Indira Nair, Carnegie Mellon
University

"A very clear exposition of questions that introductory students need to address but are unable to formulate. A perfect supplement to standard texs in the area."--Ben Mulvey, Nova Southwestern University

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0195105346
• ISBN 13: 9780195105346
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128