Three Methods of Ethics

This volume brings three forms - Kantian ethics, consequentialism and virtue ethics - of ethical theory into critical relationship, and it does so in terms that should engage current philosophical debate and yet be clear enough for undergraduates. During the past decade ethical theory has been in a lively state of development, and three basic approaches to ethics - Kantian ethics, consequentialism, and virtue ethics - have assumed positions of particular prominence. Written in the form of a debate, this volume presents a clear survey and assessment of the main arguments, both for and against each of these three central approaches to ethics. In doing so, it represents the first volume to bring these forms of ethical theory into a critical relationship, engaging current philosophical debate on the one hand in terms clear enough for undergraduates on the other. It is an ideal basis for course use in ethics and moral philosophy. During the past decade ethical theory has been in a lively state of development, and three basic approaches to ethics - Kantian ethics, consequentialism, and virtue ethics - have assumed positions of particular prominence.