Ethics: Selections from Classical and Contemporary Writers

Ethics: Selections from Classical and Contemporary Writers is a collection of philosophical texts curated by Richard L. Purtill that spans over two millennia of ethical thought. The anthology brings together writings from ancient Greek philosophers through modern day thinkers. The book organizes selections chronologically and thematically, presenting key debates and developments in moral philosophy. Primary source excerpts allow readers to engage directly with influential works by Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Mill and others. Each reading includes context and commentary to situate the texts within their historical and philosophical frameworks. The selections cover major ethical theories including virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, and moral relativism. This compilation serves as both an academic resource and an exploration of humanity's ongoing quest to define right action and the good life. The diverse perspectives presented reveal how different cultures and time periods have approached fundamental questions of morality and ethical behavior.

Limited reader reviews exist online for this philosophy textbook anthology. Based on the available reviews: Readers liked: - Clear organization of philosophical concepts - Inclusion of both historical and modern perspectives - Useful introductions before each reading selection - Mix of short excerpts and complete essays Readers disliked: - Some readings are too brief/excerpted - A few translation choices feel dated - Index could be more comprehensive - Paper quality in recent editions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (17 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (9 ratings) Most reader comments come from students who used it in university ethics courses. One reviewer noted it works better as a supplemental text than a primary textbook. Another praised its "accessible selections for intro students." Multiple reviews mentioned the book provides good foundational readings but lacks depth on contemporary ethical issues.

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🔖 Richard L. Purtill taught philosophy at Western Washington University for over 40 years, combining his academic work with successful fiction writing, including fantasy novels. 📚 The book features selections from thinkers spanning over 2,000 years of ethical philosophy, from ancient Greece to the 20th century. ⚡ Unlike many similar anthologies, Purtill included writings from religious thinkers alongside secular philosophers, recognizing the significant impact of religious thought on ethical development. 🎓 The text uniquely bridges academic rigor with accessibility, making it a popular choice for both undergraduate courses and general readers interested in ethical philosophy. 🌟 The book's organization reflects the evolution of ethical thinking through history while highlighting recurring themes that continue to influence modern moral debates.