Morality and the Good Life [Paperback]

Contemporary moral philosophers have produced an enormous amount of rich and varied published work on virtually all the issues falling within the scope of ethics and moral philosophy.Morality and the Good Lifeis a comprehensive survey of contemporary ethical theory which collects thirty-four selections on morality and the theory of value. Emphasizing value theory, metaethics, and normative ethics, it is non-technical and accessible to a wide range of readers. Selections are organized under six main topics: (1) Concepts of Goodness, (2) What Things are Good?, (3) Virtues and Ethics, (4) Realism vs. Anti-Realism, (5) Value and Obligation, and (6) The Value and Meaning of Life. The text includes both a substantial general introduction featuring explanatory summaries of all the selections and an extensive topical bibliography, which enhance the volume's research and pedagogical utility. The most up-to-date and wide-ranging survey of its kind,Morality and the Good Lifeis ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in contemporary ethical theory, moral philosophy, and theory of value.

INTRODUCTION
PART I. CONCEPTS OF GOODNESS
A. Cognitivist Approaches
1. The Subject-Matter of Ethics,G. E. Moore
2. Ethical Absolutism and the Ideal Observer,Roderick Firth
B. Nonognitivist Approaches: Defense and Criticism
3. Critique of Ethics,A. J. Ayer
4. Critique of Ayer,W. D. Ross
5. Reply to Critics,A. J. Ayer
6. Expressivism,Allan Gibbard
7. Selections from Descriptive Meaning and Principles,R. M. Hare
8. Moral Beliefs,Phillipa Foot
C. Kinds of Goodness
9. Two Distinctions in Goodness,Christine Korsgaard
PART 11. WHAT THINGS ARE GOOD?
A. Hedonism: Defense and Criticism
10. Ultimate Good,Henry Sidgwick