Moral and Political Philosophy: Key Issues, Concepts and Theories

by Paul Smith

Overview

A clear and concise introduction to moral and political philosophy which critically analyses arguments about controversial and topical practical issues – drug laws, justifications of punishment, civil disobedience, whether there is a duty to obey the law, and global poverty.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230552753
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	04/30/2008
Edition description:	2008
Pages:	254
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.02(d)

About the Author

PAUL SMITHwas a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Ethics at the University of Cumbria, Lancaster, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction Drug Laws Justifications of Punishment Civil Disobedience: Is There a Duty to Obey the Law? Global Poverty Liberty Liberty-Limiting Principles Rights Equality and Social Justice Moral Relativism Utilitarianism Kantian Moral Philosophy John Rawls's Theory of Justice Concluding Remarks Endnotes References Index

Editorial Reviews

'Moral and Political Philosophy is an excellent introductory text that will engage students in a refreshing way to a wide range of important topics.' - Thom Brooks, University of Newcastle, UK

'Paul Smith's excellent book offers concise but penetrating discussions of some of the central issues in moral and political philosophy. Smith provides an informative introduction to the main arguments, and it is clear that he knows the issues very well. Chapters can be treated as stand-alone discussions or combined to give a deeper understanding of how the issues connect. Overall this book is one that teachers and students will find very helpful.' - Christopher Bennett, University of Sheffield, UK

From the Publisher