Review
"Exactly the kind of text needed for practical use by students. Weston speaks directly and concisely, using language that is easily understood by students, especially those in the sciences."--Terry Derting, Murray State University
"Excellent text. This book practices what it preaches. It's a fresh approach to an old problem--teaching ethical and ethical decision-making."--Harvey James, University of Hartford
"An exhaustive resource book which covers the range of experience, issues, and critical thinking that would suit a classroom format for the understanding of the ethical enterprise."--Daniel Rogich, State University of New York at Utica
"Looks great! Finally, a text that speaks to the needs of ordinary students in the typical ethics class."--R. Acampora, Hofstra University
Product Description
Taking a refreshingly hands-on approach to introductory ethics, A 21st Century Ethical Toolbox provides students with a set of tools to help them understand and make a constructive difference in real-life moral controversies. Thoroughly optimistic, it invites students to approach ethical issues with a reconstructive intent, making room for more and better options than the traditional "pro" and "con" positions that have grown up around tough problems like abortion and animal rights.
Ideal for introductory and applied ethics courses, this unique text does not treat ethics as a purely academic, historical, or theoretical subject, but as a wide-ranging and ongoing set of challenges that calls for multiple and interwoven kinds of intelligence. It covers the skills that are most vital to making real progress in ethics, including paying careful attention to the values at stake on all sides of an issue; looking for creative opportunities within difficult problems; critical-thinking skills such as defining key terms and making sure to judge similar cases alike; and learning how to engage in constructive dialogue. Instructors can readily use the experiential and applied activities inspired by this "toolbox" of practical skills to design an interactive and collaborative ethics course. Students can carry these essential skills directly from this book into such projects as campaigning for environmental awareness and staffing local homeless shelters.
In addition to his own discussion, Weston includes gripping and provocative short selections from essayists, activists, and philosophers, and also cites his own students. Extensive "Exercises and Notes" sections end each chapter, and a detailed appendix offers instructors advice on how to use the Toolbox in the classroom.
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