The Fundamentals of Ethics, by Russ Shafer-Landau, is an introductory guide for new students in moral philosophy, divided into three sections covering value theory, normative ethics, and metaethics. The book explores various ethical theories, including hedonism, desire satisfaction theory, natural law theory, psychological and ethical egoism, consequentialism, Kantian ethics, social contract theory, ethical pluralism, virtue ethics, and feminist ethics. It also examines metaethical topics like moral skepticism, relativism, and nihilism, providing students with a comprehensive overview of Western moral philosophy.

The Fundamentals of Ethics by Russ Shafer-Landau is praised for its clear writing and comprehensive coverage of key ethical theories, making it accessible for students. However, some reviews mention a lack of depth in exploring complex topics and limited practical examples. Overall, it is a valuable introductory text for those new to ethical studies.

A reader who would enjoy The Fundamentals of Ethics by Russ Shafer-Landau is likely a student or enthusiast of philosophy, particularly ethics. Comparable to audience of James Rachels's The Elements of Moral Philosophy, these readers appreciate clear, accessible introductions to ethical concepts and theories.

Informative / Contemplative / Challenging

**Russ Shafer-Landau**  
An American philosopher and professor of ethics known for his work in metaethics, including his defense of non-naturalistic moral realism and the necessity of rational thought in ethics.

**John Stuart Mill**  
An English philosopher famous for his work on utilitarianism and hedonism, with a distinct emphasis on different qualities of pleasure and contributions to political philosophy and women's rights.

**Immanuel Kant**  
A German philosopher renowned for his contributions to Enlightenment thought and the development of Kantian ethics, which emphasize moral duty as a categorical imperative, alongside works in epistemology and political philosophy.

**Thomas Hobbes**  
An English thinker recognized for his social contract theory in the influential work Leviathan, where he explores the transition from a state of nature to civil society and the introduction of moral duties.

Russ Shafer Landau

Adult

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The Fundamentals of Ethics Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Good Life”

Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 4

The Fundamentals of Ethics Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Normative Ethics: Doing the Right Thing”

Part 2, Chapters 5-8

The Fundamentals of Ethics Part 2, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-12

The Fundamentals of Ethics Part 2, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-16

The Fundamentals of Ethics Part 2, Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 17-18

The Fundamentals of Ethics Part 2, Chapters 17-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Metaethics: The Status of Morality”

Part 3, Chapters 19-21

The Fundamentals of Ethics Part 3, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

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The Fundamentals of Ethics

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