The Applied Ethics Primer offers a concise introduction to both basic argumentation and normative ethical theory. The concepts discussed reflect the ethical theories that currently ground most professional ethics codes and debates in applied ethics. More inclusive than many similar resources, this primer gives students a sense of the truly global history of ethics, while remaining squarely focused on providing practical tools for ethical decision-making.

Letitia Meynell is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Dalhousie University.

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“This text is phenomenal, and very dearly needed. It provides an accessible window into ethical theories and traditions, treating theories as ‘lenses’ through which we focus on morally relevant perceptions. What I especially appreciate is the care taken to move beyond traditional western philosophy and to show how these lenses are present in other cultural traditions, including Indigenous, African, and Asian value frameworks. With the Applied Ethics Primer, students will be empowered to hit the ground running, without having to slog through needlessly complex and narrow conceptions of ethical theory. I will definitely adopt this book in all of my applied ethics courses.” — Kira Tomsons, Douglas College

“Kudos to Letitia Meynell and Clarisse Paron for distilling complex moral theories into remarkably clear lenses that readers can use to engage in productive reflection and dialogue. This comprehensive and yet concise introduction goes beyond the usual western philosophical theories by offering readers a taste of the global history and dimensions of applied ethics. It’s an excellent introductory text and resource for anyone interested in thinking through thorny ethical issues in our complex world.” — Anita Ho, University of British Columbia and University of California, San Francisco

“Letitia Meynell and Clarisse Paron have produced an inclusive and engaging introduction to moral reasoning and applied ethics, suitable for use in a wide range of undergraduate ethics courses. Unlike other texts in this area, the Applied Ethics Primer includes feminist and global perspectives on moral reasoning, while clearly covering mainstream and western moral theories.” — Samantha Brennan, University of Guelph

“This primer has the potential to bring long overdue changes to how ethics is taught. Meynell and Paron provide philosophy teachers with the opportunity to engage students in critical reflection about the many starting points (lenses) we use in western democracies. They explain how people can arrive at the same answers using different lenses, and why there can be mild or strong disagreement about whose answer is correct. By including non-western lenses, the authors open the door for students to learn more about other traditions in their inter-philosophy dialogues.” — Sandra Tomsons, Co-Editor of the Canadian Journal of Practical Philosophy