Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues [Paperback]

Barbara MacKinnon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0495506796 | ISBN-13: 978-0495506799 | Edition: 6

Closely examine the major areas of ethical theory as well as a broad range of contemporary moral debates using MacKinnon's acclaimed ETHICS: THEORY AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES, Sixth Edition. Recognized for its breadth of coverage, this book provides a superbly balanced introduction that effectively integrates ethical theory with today's most relevant moral issues. Illuminating overviews and a selection of readings from both traditional and contemporary sources make even complex philosophical concepts reader friendly. Comprehensive, clear-sighted introductions to general and specific areas of ethical debate cover major ethical theories, including feminist ethics and ethical relativism, before delving into issues ranging from euthanasia and sexual morality to war and professional ethics. New readings from prominent ethicists help increase this edition's coverage of contemporary dilemmas with widespread impact, including torture and the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, "partial birth" abortion, cloning, same-sex marriage, and Wikipedia and Google. The book's new CengageNOW™ online learning system builds upon the book's highly effective presentation with Personalized Study Plans that match multimedia learning tools to your specific learning style and needs. New integrated Ethics Learning Modules use flash-animated ethics simulations to help you practice what you've learned. Trust ETHICS: THEORY AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES, Sixth Edition, to integrate theory and contemporary moral issues like no other text.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Excellent, perspicuous, and well-balanced. Barbara McKinnon manages to give to a typical undergraduate a broad and nuanced survey of subtly theoretical and practical points, as well as introducing the student to some of the most vital contemporary ethical dilemmas faced by our culture and humanity per se." -- Will Kallfelz, New Mexico State University

"This text offers an effective balance between ethical theory and applied ethics, addressing all of the major theories and issues in clear, comprehensive and accessible units." -- Leigh Johnson, Rhodes College --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Barbara MacKinnon is a professor emerita of philosophy at the University of San Francisco. Her teaching and writings during the 30 years she taught focused primarily on the history of ethics and contemporary ethical issues. Since her retirement in 2002, she enjoys reading widely, playing the piano, and traveling. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 6 edition (February 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495506796
• ISBN-13: 978-0495506799
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great even for a beginner exploring many of today's ethical issues, February 5, 2006

By 

J. Mariani "muppetdogs mama" (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues (with InfoTrac) (Paperback)

I used this textbook in an undergraduate Communication Ethics course last year. It very helpful in introducing me to the study of ethics and how it fits into today's issues.

The book is divided into two parts: Ethical Theory (chapters 1-7)and Ethical Issues (chapters 8-19). The first part of the book actually gives you the "tools" to better discuss the issues raised in the chapters of the second part.

At the end of the book there is even a short appendix and sample ethics paper. This section helps the average student who is unfamiliar with the structure and reasoning behind a formal ethics paper.

I especially liked the way some that chapters began with scenarios that helped tie in each ethical theory to dilemmas we face everyday. It made it easier to understand and relate the thoughts of Kant and Aristotle to today's average person and the decisions they make-- their "moral dilemmas" and such.

Bottom line...well-organized, great for undergrads, an excellent source, and you probably use more everyday ethics than you think you do...

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource for Intro Ethics, September 1, 2006

By 

esselle (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues (Paperback)

I choose MacKinnon's 4th edition of this text, while in search of one that would work well for online instruction. I have since moved on to the current edition, which contains a few, but what I consider, significant and useful changes and expansions from the 4th.

For a lower division introductory course in ethics, I've found this text exceptionally useful. From an online perspective, I find it straightforward, clear, and concise. Whether used as the essential core resource, as a structural component from which to build and expand, or as a supplement, I think MacKinnon's text well worth consideration.

I read through quite a number (or as my daughter would say, 'mass quantities') of texts before making the decision to go with MacKinnon. While this text isn't the only resource I use in my courses, I do use it as the framework around which they are designed and built. Highly recommended from this online instructor!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written and Very Complete Book on Ethics, December 4, 2007

By 

Frederick S. Goethel "wildcatcreekbooks" (Central Valley, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues (Paperback)

My daughter took an ethics course at a local community college this semester and this book was the textbook. As I was interested, I read along with the class (and even more) as the semester progressed.

The book is broken into 2 main sections: Ethical Theory and Ethical Issues. The first part contains the theory of ethics from a number of standpoints, including Relativism, Egoism, Utilitarianism, Kant's Theories and Natural Law. The second section is filled with discussions of ethical issues of today including pornography, euthanasia, abortion, sexual morality, environmentalism, animal rights, stem cell research and much more.

The book is comprehensive and very well written. It is easy to follow and gives latitude in the areas of ethics that are discussed. Finally, there is a sample ethics paper in the rear, making this a very comprehensive and useful textbook.