The Fundamentals of Ethics

• Author: Russ Shafer-Landau
• Edition: 4th Edition
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISBN-13: 978-0190631390
• ISBN-10: 9780190631390
• Publication Date: June 21, 2017

In The Fundamentals of Ethics, Fourth Edition, author Russ Shafer-Landau employs a uniquely engaging writing style to introduce students to the essential ideas of moral philosophy. Offering more comprehensive coverage of the good life, normative ethics, and metaethics than any other text of its kind, this book also addresses issues that are often omitted from other texts, such as the doctrine of doing and allowing, the doctrine of double effect, ethical particularism, the desire-satisfaction theory of well-being, moral error theory, and Ross’s theory of prima facie duties.

Shafer-Landau carefully reconstructs and analyzes dozens of arguments in depth, at a level that is understandable to students with no prior philosophical background. Ideal for courses in introductory ethics and contemporary moral problems, this book provides a thorough foundation in ethical theory. It is designed to function as a stand-alone resource or in conjunction with the author’s companion reader, The Ethical Life: Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Problems.