Peter Vardy - Ethics Matters

The authors have an extraordinary ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and simplicity. It is an absorbing must read for all those who aspire to deeper comprehension of evolving ethical challenges.

Catherine Syms, Director of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics, Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland, New Zealand

We all think we know what is meant by right and wrong until pressed to give a plausible account of what we mean by these terms. This is where this book begins and eventually concludes. In between it offers an admirably clear account of the key strands in ethics from the classic thinkers, via the medieval theologians to the post-Enlightenment philosophers. Whether one is an A Level student wanting a more sophisticated discussion of the ethical landscape or an undergraduate needing a very clear outline of the issues, this book has the great virtue of providing just enough to understand the scholarly debates but not so much to overwhelm.

Michael Wilcockson, A Level Chief Examiner, Head of Philosophy, Eton College, Berkshire

The Vardys quote John Locke: the philosopher clears away the undergrowth so that we can see the challenges more clearly. This is precisely what this book does supremely well: bridging the gulf between philosophy and practicality in a media culture where spin and half-truth often dominate. The supreme vice, said Oscar Wilde, was superficiality here, the book is anything but he is immensely readable and lucid especially for those not usually at home in moral philosophy; it clears away the undergrowth and brings clarity, simplicity and depth to puzzles and muddles that cry out for rational resolutions. In a word, this is an enlightening guide to those moral questions that dont go away. It should go to every politician, civil servant, teacher and bishop; not to mention the rest of thoughtful humanity!

Dr Kenneth Wolfe, Emeritus Head of Philosophy and Religion, Godolphin & Latymer School, London, and Director, London Society for the Study of Religion

I thoroughly enjoyed it ... Well laid out, thoughtfully written and clearly expressed, and providing a scholarly overview of the main three areas of ethics.

A. Wilkinson, Senior Tutor, Hampton School, Middlesex

I loved reading this text most helpful. The authors have an extraordinary ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and simplicity. It is an absorbing must read for all those who aspire to deeper comprehension of evolving ethical challenges.

Catherine Syms, Director of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics, Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland, New Zealand

Ethical theories are placed in their philosophical and historical contexts so much better than in other textbooks, set out in a more complete and interesting way whilst remaining highly accessible. This is the best introduction to ethics textbook at A Level bar none ...

Philippe Mathieu, Head of Divinity, The Leys School, Cambridge

Wow! I wish I could lock myself away for a few weeks and really do justice to the book. It makes me hope to win the lotto and go off and study philosophy without the cares of the job! Throughout this book the authors explore the universal themes of truth, freedom and conscience in ethics. Even the novice philosopher will find the book accessible.

Helen Smith, St Josephs College, Hunters Hill, Sydney

My IB Philosophy students always find Peter Vardys books invaluable guides to enhance their knowledge. This new book is a must have for all teachers and students of ethics. It is highly engaging and provides an extremely comprehensive guide which will increase the readers breadth and depth of knowledge.

Lucie Purves, Head of Philosophy, Sha Tin College, Hong Kong

For anyone wishing to wrestle with the key ethical issues of the 21st century, Ethics Matters is required reading. Ideal for the specialist and newcomer alike as a stimulating, accessible guide, it raises vital questions about the quality of future debate. In a world where relativism often goes untested, this book clarifies the alternatives. Our students find their own voice in this intriguing, indispensible work highly recommended.

Esmond Lee, Head of Religious Studies, Trinity School, Croydon

This book will almost certainly be an important text for use by schools and universities but is far more than a textbook. Its clear unabashed clarity of explanation will make the exciting and vital enterprise of moral philosophy accessible to a wide audience. Its use of film, poetry and prose to help unpack complex and demanding concepts make it an essential read for any serious student or layman alike. With almost evangelical commitment to their subject the authors set out to engage the reader, taking him/her on a journey through the exciting field of ethics. They draw upon wide-ranging, up-to-date and excellent scholarship to achieve a lucid and eloquent exposition of the subject. The book gives the reader the confidence to understand the issues and participate meaningfully in ethical dialogue.

Revd Andrew Stead, Chaplain, Aldenham School, Hertfordshire

A most welcome book and a must for every committed teacher and departmental library. I wish I had read it before now. Not only does it clarify theories, giving additional information, but it offers valuable insights into how some ethical theories have greater similarities than we have sometimes been given to understand and teach. Bright students will find this book accessible and helpful in raising grades.

Judy Grill, Head of Philosophy and Religion, Churchers College, Hampshire

Ethics Matters

Peter and Charlotte Vardy

Peter and Charlotte Vardy 2012

Published in 2012 by SCM Press

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, SCM Press.

The Authors have asserted their right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the Authors of this Work

British Library Cataloguing in Publication data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

978-0-334-04391-1

Kindle edition 978-0-334-04450-5

Typeset by Regent Typesetting

Printed and bound by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon, Surrey

Contents

To Petra

only that day dawns to which we are awake: the sun is but a morning star

Preface

What is the purpose of human life? Today many people aim for riches, possessions, beauty and status yet all of these pass away and fail to satisfy. The wisdom of generations, of diverse cultures, suggests that the only worthwhile aim is to live well, growing in understanding and savouring the experience of being alive. Philosophy at its best is the process of loving wisdom, the essence of life. Moral philosophy offers practical guidance to support that process. Philosophy is hard. No one pretends that it is easy. However, it is immensely rewarding. It yields something worth more than rubies: truth which offers us a form of liberation from the confines of our own perspective and our own interests and a glimpse of immortality.

Truth is awe-inspiring. It resists expression, explanation and simplification and is usually distorted by attempts to communicate it. It exists not in plain black and white but in subtle shades of grey and is hinted at in works of art, literature, even films, as well as in the lives of great men and women and their writings. In many ways truth is a puzzle, yet this should not be understood in the sense of being a mere curiosity or pastime.