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Living Philosophy: An Introduction to Moral Thought
The second edition of this witty and open-minded introduction presupposes no previous knowledge of philosophy. In a non-technical style, Ray Billington discusses general issues in ethics and the various approaches to moral problems posed in philosophy and religion. Each chapter has accompanying case studies constructed around problems that occur in everyday life.
Ray Billington has made a number of changes in this second edition. In particular, he has thoroughly revised, updated and substantially increased the number of case studies.
Ray Billington has made a number of changes in this second edition. In particular, he has thoroughly revised, updated and substantially increased the number of case studies.
- GenresPhilosophyNonfiction
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 1988
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September 20, 2017
A mostly excellent, comprehensive overview of many major areas of moral/ethical philosophy. Billington's prose is accessible, concise and compelling – I was actually surprised at how enjoyable this is to read considering it was intended as a course textbook (I'm sure we all know the negative stigma of dry, boring or difficult prose associated with these).
I say MOSTLY excellent because, although I can't fault the general quality of his writing and the most of his personal views (some of which he has incorporated into the text at relevant points, usually with great intelligence and to the benefit of the text, contextualising theory in everyday life and general human experience), there are a few moments that betray him. These are when his personal conclusions (opinions) on a topic show with unjustified bias: he fails to back them up with rational argument and balanced evidence. I should reiterate that these moments are rare – in fact, the vast majority of his positions are unusually well presented and reasoned, and I think his own high standards are what make those few slip-ups particularly apparent. Otherwise, I would have given this book 5 stars.
I say MOSTLY excellent because, although I can't fault the general quality of his writing and the most of his personal views (some of which he has incorporated into the text at relevant points, usually with great intelligence and to the benefit of the text, contextualising theory in everyday life and general human experience), there are a few moments that betray him. These are when his personal conclusions (opinions) on a topic show with unjustified bias: he fails to back them up with rational argument and balanced evidence. I should reiterate that these moments are rare – in fact, the vast majority of his positions are unusually well presented and reasoned, and I think his own high standards are what make those few slip-ups particularly apparent. Otherwise, I would have given this book 5 stars.
Displaying 1 of 1 review