*Sample Chapter* Chapter 4: Rate That Abortion
Sometimes I'll use this exercise at the beginning of an ethics class to open students' minds to the possibility that morality might be more complicated than most assume. Then after working through Ethics in a Nutshell, we'll revisit it empowered with the philosopher's toolkit: argument by analogy, ethical theory (Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Virtue Ethics and Care Ethics), an appreciation of the role of our moral intuitions, how to develop an all-things-considered view, the importance of consistency and coherence and more. This "before and after" test, using a ubiquitous and notoriously charged issue highlights the value and power of philosophical ethics. If you'd like to use it in your own classes, even if you don't assign the book, feel free. Just shoot me an email at matt (at) mattdeaton.com to say hi, and please note the source and link to the book's Amazon page.
“Above all, I'm in awe of the book's style and tone. It's not easy to write philosophically about abortion – a subject that's both, and equally, deep from a conceptual standpoint and emotionally wrenching in real-life... You found an effective way to write about abortion that's accessible to undergraduates (and also, possibly to high school students). Your discussion not only is informed philosophically but also conveys to me a sense of supportive engagement of a kind one would experience if she/he had a good candid discussion, with a good friend, on a topic that's both emotionally difficult and intellectually challenging. Bravo."
~Ethics Bowl Creator and Illinois Institute of Technology Philosophy Professor Emeritus, Dr. Bob Ladenson
~Ethics Bowl Creator and Illinois Institute of Technology Philosophy Professor Emeritus, Dr. Bob Ladenson
Abortion Ethics in a Nutshell: A Pro-Both Tour of the Moral Arguments by Matt Deaton At Amazon in paperback, Kindle or audiobook here. Copyright 2021, Notaed Press Audiobook ISBN 978-1-951677-08-4 e-Book ISBN 978-1-951677-07-7 Paperback ISBN 978-1-951677-06-0 |