Good Introduction to Moral Philosophy

[MindForgedManacle]

I've been into philosophy since this January, but my knowledge of moral philosophy is still much lower than I'd like. Do any of you know of a good introduction to ethics?

[genkaus]

I've been into philosophy since this January, but my knowledge of moral philosophy is still much lower than I'd like. Do any of you know of a good introduction to ethics?

I suggest you approach it like you would any school project. Google its definition, look it up on Wikipedia and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Start with the basics - figure out what morality is and what is it needed for. Then move on to different moral philosophies out there and how they relate to other branches of philosophy.

I would caution against simply finding a book on "introduction to ethics" and going with it. Such books usually advocate for a particular moral philosophy, whereas studying all the other views out there comprehensively would allow you to form your own views on the subject.

[MindForgedManacle]

Thanks. I know and have done some of the things you mentioned. I did intend to get a book on the subject, but my local library doesn't have any. *sigh* I didn't think about that problem, thanks (again).

[Inigo]

I've been into philosophy since this January, but my knowledge of moral philosophy is still much lower than I'd like. Do any of you know of a good introduction to ethics?

Probably the best intros to ethics are:

The Fundamentals of Ethics by Russ Shafer Landau

The Elements of Moral Philosophy by James Rachels

Both works introduce you to normative moral theories and metaethical moral theories. But in my view it is best to get a good grounding in metaethics before doing normative ethics. And I think the best intro to metaethics is Ethical Intuitionism by Michael Huemer. It is misguided, but good.

[My imaginary friend is GOD]

Something you may be interested in is the online classes at Harvard on Justice, they deal with moral philosophy quite a bit in an accessible way. http://www.justiceharvard.org/