The Ethical Life: Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Problems - Softcover

The best discussion-generating book I have ever used, full of wonderfully thought-provoking essays. (Adam Briggle, University of North Texas)

One of the most compelling collections of original source materials for introductory level ethics I've come across, and I suggest that (although it can stand alone as a course resource)

This is a wonderful book. It has a balanced selection of classical and contemporary readings in normative ethics, metaethics, and ethical issues. Each selection is of manageable length to cover in a single class period. Shafer-Landau includes interesting, unusual selections (licensing parents, gay sex) as well as classic pieces (Aristotle, Mill, Kant, and Thomson, for instance). (Richard Lee, University of Arkansas)

This is a very solid anthology for introductory-level ethics classes. It's comparable to Rachels in overall style and analytic approach, but with more personable examples and a sharper division between value theory and normative ethics. (Deke Gould, Augustana College, Black Hawk College, Illinois Valley Community College, and Syracuse University)

This is a concise book with breadth. It contains short readings without sacrificing depth. It's cheaper than Rachels' The Right Thing to Do. It's pedagogically effective, without the overwhelming pedagogical devices of MacKinnon's Ethics. It's edited by a major contributor in contemporary ethics. It's a high-quality book with a low price. It's an encyclopedic pocket book. I will adopt it. (Fidel Arnecillo, California State University, San Bernardino)

A solid collection of essays including a great range of topics and thinkers, covering normative ethics, metaethics, and applied ethics, all at a great price. (Charles Comer, Harrisburg Area Community College)

Brief yet thorough and affordably priced, The Ethical Life: Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Problems, Second Edition, is ideal for courses in introductory ethics and contemporary moral problems. Featuring forty readings divided into four parts―The Good Life, Normative Ethics, Metaethics, and Moral Problems―it introduces students to ethical theory and a wide range of moral issues. The essays include selections from such historically influential philosophers as Aristotle, Hume, Kant, and Mill alongside work by contemporary philosophers like Philippa Foot, Robert Nozick, Peter Singer, and Judith Jarvis Thomson. Detailed reading introductions provide helpful contextual information. The text is supplemented by an online Instructor's Manual and Computerized Test Bank and a Companion Website with student self-quizzes and additional resources.

Designed as a companion reader to Russ Shafer-Landau's textbook, The Fundamentals of Ethics, Third Edition, this volume is also comprehensive enough to be used on its own.