Summary:
Teach Yourself Ethics Fourth Edition brings this ever-popular title within the Teach Yourself series fully up-to-date. Accessible and jargon-free this book explores key ethical theories and thinkers from determinism, utilitarianism, altruism and existentialism to Nietzsche, Marx, Freud and Machiavelli. Ethics and world Religions are also discussed in detail as well as applied ethics which brings the often complex theories and concepts to life.

This fourth edition has been substantially revised with contemporary examples, and discussion of current issues and arguments such as terrorism, genetics and medicine. The possibility of moral progress, animal rights and moral relativism (all A Level questions) are addressed in detail as well as more comprehensive coverage of conscience and situation ethics.

This new edition will ensure that whether you are a student studying philosophy at A-Level or undergraduate level or are just wanting to get a grasp on this fascinating subject and broaden your general knowledge, Teach Yourself Ethics will prove to be a thoroughly engaging read.

• Publishing in time for the back to school period.
• Covers the topics included within the Philosophy and Ethics papers for the Religious Studies AS and A2 examinations and also the AQA Philosophy AS and A2. As far as possible sub-heads match the examination syllabi.
• Excellent for revision, a quick refresh or for those wanting to broaden their general knowledge.
• Up-to-date examples and practical applications to ensure often difficult concepts, works, characters and theories are easy to get to grips with.
• Up-to-date discussion of contemporary issues and arguments.
• Publishing at the same time as Teach Yourself Philosophy Fourth Edition.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: The Art of Living
What makes something moral?
What is the point of ethics?
At what price is integrity?
Rights and responsibilities
The art of living
Free to choose?
What kind of freedom?
Free will
Determinism
Reductionism
How much freedom does morality need?
Freedom and the state
What do we mean?
Three kinds of language
Defining key terms
Some theories
‘Is’ and ‘ought’
Is it natural?
Does it have a ‘final cause’?
Some features of ‘natural law’
How do you decide what is ‘natural’?
Applying ‘natural law’
Are we naturally good or bad?
Evolution, change and the natural law
Looking for results
Egoistic hedonism
Utilitarianism
Forms of utilitarianism
Sex and utilitarianism
General criticisms of utilitarianism
The experience of moral choice
Conscience
The categorial imperative
The creative response
Determined and yet free?
Personal development and virtue
Altruism?
Nietzsche
Virture ethics
Existentialism
Humankind, Marx and Freud
Law and order
Society and moral choice
In whose interest?
Is equality possible?
Social rules
Crime and punishment
Capital punishment
In self-defence?
Civil disobedience
If Nietzsche were a civil servant…
Religion and moral values
How are religion and morality related?
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
Hinduism
Buddhism
Sikhism
Religious values and society
Should religious freedom be restricted?
Scepticism and relativism
Nietzsche and Machiavelli
Philosophers or politicians?
Relativism and moral absolutes
Situation ethics
Applied ethics
The natural environment
Animal rights
International issues
Poverty and international aid
War and peace
Feminist issues
Some issues in medical ethics
The beginning and end of life
Genetics
Media issues
Business issues
Some conclusions
Moral progess: can people change?
A better world: illusion or essential hope?
So where does this leave us?
Taking it further
Further reading
Websites
Glossary
Index

About the Author(s):
Mel Thompson is a freelance writer and editor, specialising in philosophy, religion and ethics. He is the author of the following titles in the Teach Yourself series: Philosophy, Ethics, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Mind, Eastern Philosophy.