Paul Smith's clear and concise introduction provides acomprehensive and incisive examination of key concepts and theories inmoral and political philosophy. With a clear focus on the essentials of each topic, he presupposes no prior knowledge and relates moral philosophy to social and political issues. Chapters can be read independently, but are interconnected, enablingstudents to develop a coherent understanding of thesubject, including: - the controversial and topical practical issues ofdrug laws, justifications of punishment, civil disobedience and whether there is a duty to obey the law, andglobal poverty. -key concepts in moral and political theory: liberty, reasons for laws that limit liberty (harm to others, offence, harm to self, and harmless wrongdoing), rights, equality and social justice. - criticalevaluation ofmoral and politicaltheories:moral relativism, utilitarianism, Kantian moral philosophy, and Rawls's theory of justice, together with libertarian and egalitarian criticisms of Rawls.
Description:
Paul Smith's clear and concise introduction provides acomprehensive and incisive examination of key concepts and theories inmoral and political philosophy. With a clear focus on the essentials of each topic, he presupposes no prior knowledge and relates moral philosophy to social and political issues. Chapters can be read independently, but are interconnected, enablingstudents to develop a coherent understanding of thesubject, including: - the controversial and topical practical issues ofdrug laws, justifications of punishment, civil disobedience and whether there is a duty to obey the law, andglobal poverty. -key concepts in moral and political theory: liberty, reasons for laws that limit liberty (harm to others, offence, harm to self, and harmless wrongdoing), rights, equality and social justice. - criticalevaluation ofmoral and politicaltheories:moral relativism, utilitarianism, Kantian moral philosophy, and Rawls's theory of justice, together with libertarian and egalitarian criticisms of Rawls.