Practical Ethics
Practical Ethics, a 1979 book by the moral philosopher Peter Singer, is an introduction to applied ethics.
Summary
Singer analyzes, in detail, why and how beings' interests should be weighed. In his view, a being's interests should always be weighed according to that being's concrete properties, and not according to its belonging to some abstract group. Singer studies a number of
Reception
Practical Ethics is widely read and was described as "an excellent text for an introductory ethics course" by the philosopher John Martin Fischer.[4] The philosopher James Rachels recommended the book "as an introduction centered on such practical issues as abortion, racism, and so forth."[5] The philosopher Mylan Engel called the book "must reading for anyone interested in living an ethical life."[6]
H. L. A. Hart's review of the first edition in The New York Review of Books was mixed. While writing that "The utility of this utilitarian's book to students of its subject can hardly be exaggerated", Hart also criticized Practical Ethics for philosophical inconsistency in its chapter on abortion. He argues that Singer insufficiently explains how preference and classical utilitarianism each view abortion, and does not bring out their differences.[7]
References
- ^ "Review of Practical Ethics by Peter Singer". 2006-09-20. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
- ^ "Practical Ethics 2nd edition". Retrieved 2009-05-22.
- ^ "Cambridge University Press". Retrieved 2011-03-17.
- S2CID 239298359.
- ^ James Rachels (2003). The Elements of Moral Philosophy, Fourth Edition. p. 203.
- S2CID 57037141.
- ^ Hart, H.L.A. (15 May 1980). "Death and Utility". The New York Review of Books. Retrieved 19 April 2021. Singer replies to Hart's review in The New York Review of Books (14 August 1980)[1].
Further reading
- JSTOR 3561052.
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