ABSTRACT

This book presents and argues for a moral theory which draws on most of the major theoretical positions to some degree, but it also spells out the limits and boundaries of a moral theory. In doing so, it exposes a number of common confusions and misunderstandings about morality, and presents a strong argument for some indisputable truths in relation to the moral sphere.

Divided into four parts, the book covers the key issues within moral philosophy:

  • part one provides a lucid and powerful account of the nature and limits of moral theory, sharply distinguishing it from religion
  • part two outlines a positive moral theory by exploring the defining principles of morality and the reasons for being moral
  • part three distinguishes moral values from others such as ecological, health and safety and sexual values
  • part four is concerned with the implications of our moral understanding for moral education.

While this book concentrates on argument and ideas, a commentary to each chapter provides historical context and contemporary reference points. It will prove an invaluable resource for students of both Education and Philosophy.

chapter |18 pages

Introduction

part |2 pages

Part I Understanding the nature and limits of moral theory

chapter 1|11 pages

Integrity: a shared moral value

chapter 3|15 pages

Some distinctions and some mistakes

chapter 4|13 pages

Rights and procedures

part |2 pages

Part II Outline of a moral theory

chapter 5|9 pages

Principles that define morality

chapter 6|8 pages

Reasons for being moral

chapter 7|11 pages

Relativism

chapter 8|16 pages

Second-order principles

part |2 pages

Part III Some implications of the moral theory

chapter 10|17 pages

Moral vs. health and safety values

part |2 pages

Part IV Moral education

chapter 11|13 pages

Moral questions in education

chapter 12|14 pages

The question of moral education

chapter 13|14 pages

Forms of moral education