During the last two decades, applied ethics has not only developed into one of the most important philosophical disciplines but has also differentiated into so many subdisciplines that it is becoming increasingly difficult to survey it. A much-needed overview is provided by the eighteen contributions to this volume, in which internationally renowned experts deal with central questions of environmental ethics, bioethics and medical ethics, professional and business ethics, social, political, and legal ethics as well as with the aims and foundations of applied ethics in general. Thanks to a philosophical introduction and selected bibliographical references added to each chapter, the book is very well suited as a basis for courses in applied ethics. It is directed not only to philosophers and to ethicists from other disciplines but to scientists in general and to all people who are interested in the rational discussion of moral principles and their application to concrete problems in the sciences and in everyday life.

Inhalt

Preface. Introduction: On Applying Ethics. Part I: Environmental Ethics. The Comprehensive Ecology Movement; R. Attfield. Legal Rights for Natural Objects: A Philosophical Critique; D. Birnbacher. Rights Across Species; T. Regan. Mucking with Nature; R. Sylvan. Part II: Bioethics and Medical Ethics. On Comparing the Value of Human and Nonhuman Life; P. Singer. Should we Attempt to Eradicate Disability? J. Harris. Is Nursing Ethics Distinct from Medical Ethics?; R.F. Chadwick. A Nursing Ethics of Care? Why Caring is Not Enough; H. Kuhse. Part III: Business Ethics and Professional Ethics. Business Ethics as a Goal-Rights-System; G. Enderle. Personal Ideals and Professional Responsibilities; M.W. Martin. Post-Modernism, Business, and Solidarity; N.E. Bowie. Part IV: Social, Political, and Legal Ethics. Liberal Society and Planned Morality; M. Baurmann. The Community of Rights; A.R. Gewirth. Does Utilitarianism Favor Economic Equality? T.W. Pogge. Part V: Aims and Foundations of Applied Ethics. What is Moral Philosophy and What Is Its Function? R. Hegselmann. Applied Ethics: A Normative View; B. Almond. Objectivism and the Alternatives; S.R.L. Clark. Philosophy and Conflict; R.M. Hare. Index of Persons.