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Review Summary: Exposes Simplistic Thinking |
Date: 2008-03-21 |
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Details: Wilkens' book is well designed and thought out related to how human beings make simplistic decisions in the face of complex situations. Using bumper sticker slogans, Wilkens shows how complex ethical constructs are often reduced to uninformed uses. An example is cultural relativism reduced to "When in Rome, Do as the Romans." Wilkens shows through examples and logical thought how this simplistic "Bumper Sticker Ethic," utilized by many people, actually plays itself out in the day-to-day. Several sections related to philosophers are a little difficult for most readers to understand, but overall a good introduction to the many constructs in ethics. |
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Review Summary: students love it |
Date: 2006-08-25 |
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Details: Steve Wilkens' book is a good one for introductory studies in ethics. I have used it as a required textbook in two different courses (one grad and one undergrad), and in both cases my students loved it. Wilkens paradoxically makes difficult concepts (such as Kantian ethics) easy to understand while yet teaching students not to oversimplify complex thought. He shows genuine appreciation for various ethical approaches without being syncretistic. With that, he models the not-so-common virtue of intellectual hospitality. |
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Review Summary: A very good introduction |
Date: 2006-06-11 |
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Details: I was very pleased with the fairness of this book toward ethical systems that the author did not agree with. In an ethics class I had last semester, we used this book and Christian Ethics by Norman Geisler. This one was far superior, as Geisler simply attacked straw-men and defended his own position. Wilkens does an admirable job of giving a short but decisive overview of most of the major ethical systems one would be likely to encounter in the West today. After introducing them he would list some apparent problems with the system, then list some possible responses to these allegations. It resulted in a wonderfully fair overview. Mind you, it is not very detailed and should not be used for anything but an introduction to these issues. There is but one brief chapter on each ethical system, so do not look here if you need a lot of information on a specific system. My only complaint is that he did not really give any indication as to what ethical system is preferable. I know that he wanted to be fair, and he was, but I should like to have seen him, in a last chapter/conclusion, present what he thought to be the ideal ethical system.
Overall grade: A- |
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Review Summary: You should know this! |
Date: 2005-08-23 |
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Details: (my new review - edited on 8/18/2008)
This is the book written by Christian author about various ethical theories. It serves as a Intro to ethics from Christian perspective.
I found it to be informative when I read it few years ago. I think it is important read to understand others' views and how to respond to them.
If you're a Christian it is better to read this book instead of, or in addition to a secular book, because secular texts usually represent Christian position, making it look either wrong or weak.
This is a good book to have on your shelf. |
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Review Summary: A joy to read |
Date: 2005-08-04 |
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Details: Many philosophical and theological books are written by people who are good thinkers but bad writers. Wilkens on the contrary is a very good writer. He presents the various ethical systems in a clear and logical manner, and does it in a way that makes it a joy to read.
Chose this over Geisler. |
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out of 10 Reviews
