A Practical Companion to Ethics [Paperback]

Anthony Weston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0195105346 | ISBN-13: 978-0195105346

A Practical Companion to Ethics is an accessibly written, concise introduction to the basic attitudes and skills that make ethics work, like thinking for oneself, creative and integrative problem-solving, and keeping an open mind. This unique volume illuminates the broad kinds of practical intelligence required in moral judgment, complementing the narrower theoretical considerations that often dominate ethics courses. It offers practical instruction in problem-solving by demonstrating how to frame an ethical problem and deal effectively with ethical disagreements. This book also addresses issues of the heart--the call to responsiveness and care that underlies formal ethical theories.
Appendices offer students advice about writing papers and offer instructors a range of creative and participatory ways to teach ethics. The optimistic tone and brisk pace of the narrative provide an entertaining and intelligent guide to "everyday" morality. This highly practical volume is ideal for courses in introductory ethics, with applications in any course related to critical thinking and applied ethics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Just what I have been looking for to introduce my students to the study of ethics. Weston is readable but not simplistic, interesting but never patronizing."--Frederick E. Blumer, Baldwin-Wallace College

"This well-crafted volume is a valuable addition to undergraduate courses in Ethics. The language is illuminating and the work concisely introduces students to the process of ethical thinking. In addition, a helpful narrative, 'How to Write an Ethics Paper,' enables students to have a much-needed practical tool before them. A most useful work."--Harold C. Warlick, Jr., High Point University

"Very well written--might be a good ancillary reading text."--John F. Harrold, College of the Desert

"This book eloquently fills the gaps between a standard theory-plus-problems text and real-life decision making. The suggestions given in the appendix for teachers are wonderful and daring."--Robert M. Gordon, University of Missouri, St. Louis

"Finally, a book has been published that explains the basics of ethics and their study in language that is easily understood by students. Many of the problems that students confront when studying ethics, and that I have struggled to explain, are clearly addressed by Weston."--Terry L. Derting, Murray State University

"A useful companion to introductory ethics courses. The book is written with heart and would serve as a balance to the more theoretical aspects of ethics courses. I like the emphasis on re-framing problems; too often ethics is taught as dealing with dilemmas. The "discovery paper" is a novel approach that I will try in my class."--Darryl Mehring, University of Colorado at Denver

"Best text I've used in my introductory ethics course. My students respond enthusiastically to Weston's observations and suggestions."--Verna Gehring, Hood College

"Absolutely excellent. Very readable. References in notes wonderful for the scholars among us!"--Justine A. Geiger, Salve University

"What a great little gift from Anthony Weston to all who want to teach and learn ethics. It is a coherently and humanly written 'conversation' that distills the kinds of things we discuss in class and sets the ethos of an ethics course. It is rich with references, yet a conversation that gives us the benefits of Weston's teaching experience and wisdom. In true Weston style, it is a book that asks students to bring their hearts and minds to the understanding of everyday problems, of fashioning their integrity, and of guiding them to spend time on questions." --Indira Nair, Carnegie Mellon University

"A very clear exposition of questions that introductory students need to address but are unable to formulate. A perfect supplement to standard texs in the area."--Ben Mulvey, Nova Southwestern University

About the Author

Anthony Weston, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Elon College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (September 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195105346
• ISBN-13: 978-0195105346
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,555,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Companion, December 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Practical Companion to Ethics (Paperback)

I used this book as a basic introduction to Ethics with an introductory class. The easy to read and concise nature of the author was very helpful. The book wouldn't stand alone, but very useful as a supplementary text. Good sections in back for students and teachers. The section on Values Conflict is also good. I definitely would use this book again.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thinking of Ethics, March 27, 2009

By 

Karen L. Jett, CMA "Author, Grow Your People,... (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Practical Companion to Ethics (Paperback)

I love the approach of this book. I've always thought and taught that ethics are action or behavior oriented. That it's not enough to have good intentions. Mr. Weston presents an excellent argument that ethics goes "beyond living out our values to thinking them through." He encourages everyone to look critically at the both sides of issues and look for commonalities that unite rather than differences that divide.

A Practical Companion to Ethics is not only a quick and easy read, it also provides concise examples that clearly illustrate points that are more complex. If you are even remotely interested in ethics or values or where you stand on larger issues you will find value in the many approaches that are logically organized within its 94 pages. - Karen L. Jett, CMA author of Grow Your People, Grow Your Business

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Supplementary Text, October 16, 2006

By 

David Makinster (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Practical Companion to Ethics (Paperback)

I use this book as a supplementary text for a few of the philosophy courses I teach. As an introductory-level, supplementary text, it is quite helpful. One of Weston's core themes is how to promote constructive dialog, and how to avoid dialectical dead-ends. In a world beset with simplistic moral dualism, this is a handy toolkit.