The Elements of Moral Philosophy by James Rachels, Stuart Rachels
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Book Reviews of The Elements of Moral Philosophy
Book Review: Great customer service!
Summary: 5 Stars
Order was shipped immediately after placing the order. The book arrived in good condition, and even contained compensation for a few highlighting marks. Thanks for the great customer service! I would highly recommend this seller.Book Review: The Elements of Moral Philosophy
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a good book for anyone interested in case histories of moral situations that stimulate critical thinking. Text arrived in a timely manner and in good condition as represented.Book Review: fantastic book
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great book. it is very easy to read. Great for beginners or others who find reading original writings of major philosophers difficult.Book Review: Rachels on Moral Relativism
Summary: 4 Stars
Just one gripe with an otherwise sound introduction;
I think that the section on moral relativism is especially weak. Rachels offers two arguments against the Cultural Differences Argument:
p1 Different cultures have different moral codes
p2 This would only happen were there a single, universal morality
conclusion: no such universal morality exists
Rachels first argues that the argument is invalid, using the analogy of 'theories of the shape of the earth.' Just as different cultural beliefs about the shape of the earth do not show that the Earth has no definite shape, Rachels argues, different moral beliefs across cultures and times do not show that there is no universal morality. I suspect that this is question- begging. Rachels presupposes that truths about the shape of the Earth are relevantly similar to 'truths' about moral universals, but this requires that there are such moral universals. (Different cultures have different theories about tastiness, or feminine beauty; it seems to me straightforwardly true that this shows that such beliefs or theories are really culturally bound).
Rachels then goes on to argue that premise one is not true, or is exagerrated. His view that no culture could survive without a ban on homicide, infanticide or theft is simply naive, (consider in- group vs. out- group relations, or the history of slavery, for obvious examples) as is his view that all apparent differences in morality are due to economic, environmental or worldview-based factors. A competent stage I student would be able to take him apart.
Actually I prefer this chapter as it is: it gives the instructor a good opportunity to set students loose on an argument for criticism, and to unlearn automatic respect for textual authority.
G. Roche Lakeland College Wisconsin
Book Review: Although "Sketchy" at Times, a Good Start...
Summary: 4 Stars
As professor Rachels' states in his Preface:
"Socrates, one of the first and best moral philosophers, said that the subject deals with "no small matter, but how we ought to live"
He goes on to say that, he has approached the subject in a "broad" sense, an introduction to this important branch of philosophy known as Ethics.
In issues like Euthanasia and Abortion, in terms of the nature of morality, he states that moral judements MUST (emphasis my own) be backed by good reasons; and that, also, an idividual's choice on such matters, should, if possible, be "impartial".
To be fair, in terms of Ethics, "impartiality" is highly improbable, as notions of Right and Wrong do in fact change over time. There is no such thing as "facts" in the realm of the Humanities because life moves forward, opinions change, though sound argument is the key to this subject.
(This is not to say that I'm promoting Relativism, however, culture and time do play a major part in any cultures notions of morality.)
The subjects covered:
What is Morality?
The Challenge of Cultural Relativism.
Subjectivism in Ethics.
Are There Absolute Moral Rules?
(Kant's "Categorical Imperative)
The Ethics of Virtue.
(Aristotle)
In terms of classroom discussion, Ethics, (unless the students are all suffering from the night before) can get quite heated and exciting.
As far as a "Brush Stroke" on a major branch of philosophy, Rachels', in my opinion has pulled it off - particularly for first year university students.
Recommended.
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