Right Thing to Do: Basic Readings in Moral Philosophy

This collection of readings in moral theory and practical moral issues from major Western philosophers is the companion reader to The Elements of Moral Philosophy by the same author. It explores the theories and issues introduced in that volume, in their original and classic formulations.

THE RIGHT THING TO DO is a collection of readings in moral theory and practical moral issues from major Western philosophers. It is the successful companion reader for the Rachels text, THE ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY. This anthology explores further the theories and issues introduced in that volume, in their original and classic formulations. The collection can stand on its own as the text for a course in moral philosophy, or it can be used to supplement any introductory text. The reader begins with two essays by Rachels which provide a short introduction to moral philosophy and some basic points about arguments. Part I consists of classic and contemporary readings about the nature of morality and Part II provides contemporary essays on current moral issues. Fourteen of the 28 readings are new in the second edition (Readings 2, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, and 28).