The Nature of Moral Reasoning

The Framework and Activities of Ethical Deliberation, Argument, and Decision—Making

Stephen Cohen

The Nature of Moral Reasoning
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The Nature of Moral Reasoning

The Framework and Activities of Ethical Deliberation, Argument, and Decision—Making

Stephen Cohen

ISBN:

9780195514797

Binding:

Paperback

Published:

21 Jun 2004

Availability:

Print on demand

Series:

$84.95 AUD

$97.99 NZD

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Description

The Nature of Moral Reasoning is a discussion about the landscape, or environment, in which moral reasoning occurs. The book engages the reader in an examination of the processes involved in thinking about moral matters. The theoretical underpinnings of moral reasoning are explained carefully in the context of an examination about what it means to engage in the central activity of moral reasoning. The discussion is both theoretical and practical and is about where moral reasoning is located, and how it occurs.
  • A concise and very readable introduction to the nature of moral reasoning
  • Process-focused, unlike other books in moral theory
  • Examines carefully and thoroughly the concept of 'effective equilibrium'
  • Provides a sustained treatment of how we apply our reason to ethical issues

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
  1. Descriptive and Prescriptive Ethics
  2. What is Ethics?
  3. Normative Ethical Theories
  4. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Reasoning
  5. Reflective Equilibrium
  6. Stimulus for Reasoning
  7. Equity and More: Challenges to Achievement of Reflective Equilibrium
  8. Imaginative Acquaintance
  9. Storytelling
  10. The Point and the Limit of Argument
  11. Integrity
  12. Some Practical Advice
  13. Ethical Decision-Making Models
  14. A Note on the History of ‘Reflective Equilibrium’
    Index

Authors

Stephen Cohen , Associate Professor,, University of NSW, Australia