Moral theory

This contemporary examination of moral theory succinctly covers the full range of theoretical positions, from extreme particularism to moral ideals. Students are challenged to think critically about abstract theories and to use acquired knowledge to support moral experience.

In this comprehensive approach to the study of ethics the student is exposed to numerous positions, asked to consider their strengths and weaknesses, and guided to understand how typically opposed theories can jointly aid moral decision making.

The text is organized from theories relying on concrete moral responses to those based in abstract values and principles. DeMarco's initial general survey of moral experience shows the different ways a moral problem may be resolved and moral theories may be evaluated. Topics included are: ideals, exemplars, norms, utopian thinking, role morality, conventions, casuistry, feminist ethics, and political philosophy.

These topics are sometimes reexamined in several chapters in order to help students understand relationships among the covered topics.