The Dimensions of Ethics offers a concise but wide-ranging introduction to moral philosophy. In clear and engaging fashion, the author first examines the scope of ethical theory, and explores central metaethical questions such as the issue of relativism, and the relationship between morality and religion. He then turns to an exploration of five theoretical approaches (utilitarianism, the deontological approach of Kant, the ethical pluralism of Ross, virtue ethics, and feminist ethics), in each case providing a consideration of various objections that have been advanced as well as a sympathetic exposition of the core principles of each approach. Throughout he uses a wide range of examples, and integrates references to issues in applied ethics with his discussions of ethical theory.

Wilfrid J. Waluchow's profile page

Wilfrid J. Waluchow is a Professor in the Philosophy Department at McMaster University. His many other works include Inclusive Legal Positivism (Oxford University Press, 1997) and Well and Good: A Case Study Approach to Biomedical Ethics (Broadview Press, 3/e 1998).

“This book provides an excellent, wide-ranging, highly readable introduction to ethical theory by a top-notch moral philosopher. Because the author is also an expert in legal philosophy, the connections between morality and law are especially well handled. Students taking a first course in ethics will profit immensely from this book.” — Matthew H. Kramer, University of Cambridge

“By combining brevity with clarity of exposition, Waluchow has written a textbook which even reluctant young scholars will be likely to actually read.” — Berel Dov Lerner, Western Galilee Academic College, in Philosophy in Review