Ethics: History, Theory, and Contemporary Issues (7th Edition) by Steven M. Cahn provides a comprehensive and flexible collection of fifty-nine selections designed for the study of moral philosophy. Spanning 2,500 years of ethical thought, this volume bridges historical foundations with modern discourse and pressing contemporary debates.
- Author: Steven M. Cahn
- Edition: 7th Edition
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Publication Date: October 1, 2019
- ISBN-10: 0190949554
- ISBN-13: 978-0190949556
- Language: English
The text is organized into three distinct sections. The first part, Historical Sources, covers the trajectory of ethical theory from Plato to Nietzsche. The second part, Modern Ethical Theory, features influential essays from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with nearly forty percent of these modern readings authored by women. The third part, Contemporary Moral Problems, explores current societal challenges including abortion, social justice, environmentalism, affirmative action, and sexual harassment.
This seventh edition includes twelve new essays and is enhanced by pedagogical tools such as part introductions, individual selection introductions, and study questions. These features provide essential context and facilitate deeper engagement with the complexities of moral philosophy and its real-world applications.