Moral Philosophy: A Contemporary Introduction is a compact yet comprehensive book offering an explication and critique of the major theories that have shaped philosophical ethics. DeNicola explores the scope, limits, and requirements of morality, outlining our various attempts to ground it: in religion, in nature, in culture, in social contracts, and in aspects of the human person such as reason, emotions, caring, and intuition. Discussion questions, suggested readings, and a glossary are included to facilitate deeper engagement.
This second edition includes a new chapter discussing existentialist and postmodernist ethics as well as standpoint theory and intersectionality. This chapter examines the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Jacques Derrida, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and others. Other chapters are also revised and expanded: several new case studies have been added, as have discussions of effective altruism, universalist care ethics, and the views of Charles Mills and Carole Pateman.
Comments
Comments on previous edition
“Using DeNicola’s Moral Philosophy: A Contemporary Introduction has transformed my undergraduate ethical theory course: for the first time, I have a textbook that presents material at exactly the right level of complexity, and keeps the students engaged and enthusiastic about what they are learning. The cases that open each chapter capture students’ attention, and the questions at the end of each chapter lead to sophisticated and lively discussions. The book covers each ethical theory in a way that goes beyond the basics and into the most interesting and controversial implications that the theory may have, encouraging students to think critically and complexly as they are developing their own philosophical positions.” — Lisa Tessman, Binghamton University
“DeNicola provides an introduction to moral philosophy that I am excited to offer to my undergraduate students. The cases for each chapter motivate critical interrogation of the scope and limits of each theory while grounding theory in practice. This book carefully articulates a breadth of moral philosophy sorely lacking from most introductory texts, offering critical discussion reflecting contemporary approaches that are at once inclusive and expansive.” — Sylvia Burrow, Cape Breton University
“With this text, DeNicola has produced a clear introduction to philosophical ethics that strikes a skillful balance between the expectations of the instructor and the needs of the student. DeNicola’s text is comprehensive and readable, yet challenging enough to engage the serious student.” — Bradley Morris, North Dakota State University
