The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Questions of Ethics and Human Nature

by Nina Rosenstand

This book presents a clear and complete introduction to ethical theory, using examples from dozens of films, stories and television shows to illustrate moral theories, issues and dilemmas. The novels and films outlined include: Alice Walker's The Temple of my Familiar, Hannah and her Sisters and Thelma and Louise. The book discusses all of the major theories of human nature and details non-Western ethical traditions including Buddhism, Islam and Native American values.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, School, Textbooks

488 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1994

Reviews

[Emily Habel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very chatty....does a good job tho of explaining the main ideas of the philosophers tho. Just could be done in much much fewer words

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to read this but had to for class and I'm glad I did. I learned a great deal and began thinking in a totally new way.

[Belle Meade School]

170

[Daniyal Javed · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very good book. It taps a wide variety of things movies, book excerpts, new items etc. The conceptual clarity is amazing. Also introduces to new philosophers. Excellent book.

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a textbook, it's not a bad read. I remember most the author's recounting the story of Hypatia and the excerpt from Ursula LeGuin's "Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas." It does suffer a little from political correctness, as I recall.

I had more respect for the author after reading about the connection between ethics and storytelling in depth in MacIntyre's After Virtue.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever you wanted to play devil's advocate for a particularly pressing moral issue, this is the book to help you get started. I enjoyed this book during one of my early philosophy classes, and it laid out both sides of the argument very well. A must for anyone interested in philosophical issues and how they pertain to ethics/morality.

[Jacob Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional intro to philosophy! Great primary source incorporation in a comprehensive and dumb-downed-enough way.

[Todd Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

my type of book on ethical theories

[Misty Zeeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explanations are great. Gives examples of concepts using current media.

Agree with previous comment. Very Chatty.

[Jim S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding textbook. She needs to write an introduction to philosophy along the same lines.

[Britney Ellersick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it that is all I could say that I love this book

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good for a textbook. Ethics is much more interesting than I expected.