Ethics in Practice: An Anthology

by Hugh LaFollette (Editor)

The fourth edition of "Ethics in Practice" offers an impressive collection of 70 new, revised, and classic essays covering 13 key ethical issues. Essays integrate ethical theory and the discussion of practical moral problems into a text that is ideal for introductory and applied ethics courses.A fully updated and revised edition of this authoritative anthology of classic and contemporary essays covering a wide range of ethical and moral issuesIntegrates ethical theory with discussions of practical moral problems, and includes three essays on theory written specifically for this volumeNearly half of the essays are written or revised exclusively for this anthology, which now also features eleven essays new to this edition, as well as expanded sections discussing theory, reproductive technologies, war and terrorism, and animalsContent allows teachers to discuss discrete practical issues (e.g., euthanasia), focus on the broader grouping of topics (e.g., life and death), or focus on common themes which bridge sections (sexism, moral standing, individualism and community)Section introductions not only outline the basic issues discussed in the essays, but relate them to theoretical perspectives and practical issues discussed elsewhere in the book.Guides students with supporting introductory essays on reading philosophy, theorizing about ethics, writing a philosophy paper, and a supporting web site at www.hughlafollette.com/eip4/

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Textbooks

704 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 1996

About the author

LaFollette grew up in Nashville, TN. After graduating from (the now defunct)Isaac Litton High School, he attended Belmont College(now University). He graduated in 1970 with a major in psychology and a minor in speech and theater.

After fours years of college, he met the renowned editor John Seigenthaler of The Tennessean, and decided to give reporting a shot. Initially he served as a general assignment reporter. After a couple of months, he became the "Metro Beat" reporter: he covered the administration and council of the Metropolitan Nashville government. Occasionally he also covered the courts. But after two and a half years, he decided to take a leave of absence to take some philosophy graduate courses at Vanderbilt University.

After he finished his PhD, he had a visiting appointment at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.The following year he had the chance to move to East Tennessee State University. That spring he accepted the Marie and Leslie E. Cole Chair in Ethics at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

He is married and has three children. His wife (Eva) and he loves to travel.

In addition to his "ordinary" professional duties, for eight years he produced and hosted a weekly 30 minute interview show ("Ideas and Issues"), aired primarily on the local NPR affiliate (WETS-FM).

Reviews

[Rosemary Reilly]

Useful collection, of what I read out of it. One day I'll read the rest...

[Nouk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit I haven't read all articles in this anthology, but at least the vast majority.
They are of differing quality (in terms of arguments, and style), but overall I've found this anthology to be a good and accessible primer to get a feel for what's going on in the land of applied ethics. Per subject there seems to be a careful selection of different standpoints, and the inclusion of both very recent as well as more classic texts is also nice.

One remark, not necessarily a critique: nearly all articles are heavily USA-centric, and this is not always clearly stated. It's not a problem that the focus is on American philosophy, but it's not clearly stated it is so -even a European reader such as myself might find herself scratching her head in wonder, until she realizes certain arguments implicitly take place within the States' political and social climate.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didnt read all of them of course but I haf to read a good chunk for class and idk summa these authors really have whack theories

[Rhi]

Excellent course text

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for my PHI320 course Practical Ethics. I would not have read it if it was not required, to be honest. I do find at the end of the semester, I have a more enlightened outlook (and insight) into common ethical dilemmas. The book covers a broad range of topics from animal rights to abortion to affirmative action. Every week, the class was required to write an essay based on each topic. I find that by writing about the different authors' views, I was able to come to my own conclusions on some topics while opening up a whole new avenue of thought on others.

I enjoyed the book but would not read again. I recommend it as a beginning ethics textbook or for more advanced personal reading.

[Gregory Breytenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic! Insightful and challenging.

[Rui Coelho · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some articles are good, but overall this feels superficial and unoriginal.