0415315883 - Gordon Graham - Eight Theories Of Ethics - Routledge.pdf

EIGHT THEORIES OF ETHICS
Is it possible to study ethics objectively, or are moral judgements
inevitably subjective? Are ancient theories of ethics of any contempo-
rary relevance? Which ethical theory offers the most convincing expla-
nation of how best to live one’s life?
Eight Theories of Ethics is prehensive introduction to the theories of ethics
encountered by first-time students. Gordon Graham introduces the fundamental
concepts that underpin ethics, such as relativism and objectivity, and then devotes
his attention to each of the eight major theories of ethics:
• egoism • Kantianism
• hedonism • utilitarianism
• naturalism and virtue theory • contractualism
• existentialism • religion
Throughout the book, the exposition draws on examples from great moral
philosophers such as Aristotle, Kant and Mill, as well as contemporary debates
over human nature, the environment and citizenship.
Eight Theories of Ethics is written in an engaging and student-friendly style,
with detailed suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter –
including original sources and contemporary discussions. It is ideal for anyone
coming to this area of philosophy for the first time, and for those studying
ethics in related disciplines such as politics, law, nursing and medicine.
Gordon Graham is Regius Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of
Aberdeen. He is the author of The : A Philosophical Inquiry (1999),
Philosophy of the Arts (second edition, 2000), and Genes: A Philosophical
Inquiry (2002), all published by Routledge.
EIGHT THEORIES OF
ETHICS
Gordon Graham
First published 2004
by Routledge
11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE
Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada
by Routledge
29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group
This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2004.
2004 Gordon Graham
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be rep