Problems in Value Theory

Steven B. Cowan is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion and Director of the Philosophy and Religion Program at Lincoln Memorial University, USA.

• ContributorsAcknowledgementsIntroduction, Steven B. CowanPart I: Problems in Ethics and AestheticsIntroduction to Part I, Steven B. Cowan1. Is Morality Relative?Morality Is Relative, Michael RuseMorality Is Objective, Francis J. BeckwithResponses:Beckwith’s Response to RuseRuse’s Response to Beckwith2. What Makes Actions Right or Wrong?Consequences Make Actions Right, Alastair NorcrossRespect for Persons Makes Actions Right, Mark LinvilleResponses:Linville’s Response to NorcrossNorcross’s Response to Linville3. Does Morality Depend on God?Morality Depends on God, Matthew FlannaganMorality Does Not Depend on God, Graham OppyResponses:Oppy’s Response to FlannaganFlannagan’s Response to Oppy4. Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?Beauty is Relative, James MockBeauty is Objective, Carol S. GouldResponses:Gould’s Response to MockMock’s Response to Gould 5. What Is the Meaning of Life?The Meaning of Life Is Found in God, Douglas GroothuisThe Meaning of Life Can Be Found without God, Christine VitranoResponses:Vitrano’s Response to GroothuisGroothuis”s Response to Vitrano Essay SuggestionsFor Further ReadingPart II: Problems in Political Philosophy Introduction to Part II, Steven B. Cowan6. Do We Need Government?We Do Not Need Government, Roderick T. LongWe Need Some Government, Alex TucknessResponses:Tuckness’s Response to LongLong’s Response to Tuckness 7. Should Wealth Be Redistributed?Wealth Should Be Redistributed, Jon MandleWealth Should Not Be Redistributed, Jan NarvesonResponses:Narveson’s Response to MandleMandle’s Response to Narveson 8. When May the Government Wage War?The Government Should Never Wage War, Andrew AlexandraThe Government May Sometimes Wage War, Nathan L. CartagenaResponses:Cartagena’s Response to AlexandraAlexandra’s Response to Cartagena Essay SuggestionsFor Further ReadingIndex

Cowan’s text is a one-stop shop for introductory philosophy instructors and students, featuring both excerpts from classic philosophical texts and contemporary discussions which will bring students up to speed on the current state of each debate. This unique format reinforces for readers the fact that to study philosophy is to enter into a conversation as long as human history itself.