Customer Reviews

Introducing Ethics

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is aptly titled, as it introduces ethics and provides a broad overview of the history of ethics and philosophy. It presents the varied views held by many different philosophers and groups (examples: Plato, Utilitarians). It is not a words-only book. On most every page there is an illustration with speech balloons containing further informative text coming from the illustrated characters. It seems to be used in a sort of comical, humorous way. In this way it is informative seriously and light-heartedly at the same time. The illustrations make for easier reading, though there are some high-level vocabulary words in the text. Everything considered, I would recommend this as a first book for those interested in ethics.

I found this book while perusing the shelves of a local bookstore, sat down, and read half of it before getting up again. Philosophy, and ethics especially, can be a subject that's hard to get into and even harder to conceptualize, but with the laid-back manner with which the authors write, and with the cartoons to soften the subject matter, it was a good stepping off point for my own wandering in the world of ethics. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars simply because I don't think the authors go far enough in explaining the differences between major branches of ethics, but seeing as this is more of a pop-ethics book than a scholarly one anyway, I'd say it's a pretty good intro.

Introducing Ethics does exactly that. It gives a great overview of the philosophical basis of ethics that is very accessible, easy to read, and FUN! (When's the last time you saw ethics and fun used in the same sentence?)
This book interweaves text with 'comics' that illustrate key points. As someone who creates ethics trainings and regularly trains people on business ethics I appreciate how well the author explains conflicting beliefs in ethical theory.
While this book only covers ethics on a surface level, it provides a list of other books available if you are interested in learning more.
Karen L. Jett, CMA - Author of Grow Your People, Grow Your Business

I must confess I am a huge fan of the 'Introducing' series of illustrated books on subjects as diverse as Quantum Theory and Buddha. In 1-2 hours a reader can acquire an overview of the basic concepts and current status of a subject. I particularly appreciate the pages dedicated to identifying the current controversies in a field. It gives me authors to look up for in-depth reading.

'Introducing Ethics' is different. Dave Robinson is a British scholar who follows the current academic fashion that intellectuals do not have to take religion seriously. I cannot imagine a book on ethics that barely mentions the Bible or Judeo-Christion philosophers and ethicists.

This is no oversight- it is intellectual dishonesty. When Mr. Robinson does mention Jesus, he misrepresents the story of the rich Prince told to sell his belongings and give the proceeds to the poor. After that, Mr. Robinson washes his hands of religion and writes eloquently about the academically acceptable ethicists.

One of the first books I read from Mr. Robinson was "Understanding Kierkegaard" about a philosopher who wrote the fundamental principles of Christian Existentialism. Funny how his works never make it to 'Ethics'. Two of Kierkegaard's 20th Century disciples are Paul Tillich and Karl Barth- both conspicuous by their absence. Surely a Jewish philosopher like Abraham J. Heschel should have his caricature somewhere in a survey of ethicists! Martin Buber also makes the cut in most surveys of ethics... but not here. And then there is C. S. Lewis...or is there?

I could go on, but my point has been made. Mr. Robinson has sacrificed a large number of valid ethicists on the altar of Secular Humanism. I dinged him two stars for leaving out several major thinkers in the field. Then I dinged him another star for political correctness.