mx_remy's review against another edition
2.0
This is no sort of introduction. By that, I don't mean to say the content is too advanced for a novice. That would be a fault, but a much nicer one than this book exhibits. For an example of the problem here, the book manages to never actually clarify the difference between 'ethics' and 'morals'. That's despite using both terms throughout. I know the difference now; 30 seconds of googling managed to pin it right down.
One would think, in a book subtitled 'A Very Short Introduction', that the author would have more than enough data to flesh things out. Yet for some reason this book meanders through personal viewpoints and intuitions, as if it were a guide to his particular stance. It's lacking in actual data and consensus based assessment.
That said... I did learn some things, enjoy some historical thought experiments, and assess some of my beliefs. This is not one of the few books I consider unworthy of being read. Had it been published with an entirely different name and premise, I might even have enjoyed it.
One would think, in a book subtitled 'A Very Short Introduction', that the author would have more than enough data to flesh things out. Yet for some reason this book meanders through personal viewpoints and intuitions, as if it were a guide to his particular stance. It's lacking in actual data and consensus based assessment.
That said... I did learn some things, enjoy some historical thought experiments, and assess some of my beliefs. This is not one of the few books I consider unworthy of being read. Had it been published with an entirely different name and premise, I might even have enjoyed it.
ciannait76's review against another edition
2.0
Check out my review on my website: Ethics: A Very Short Introduction
anka_not_anchor's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
A brilliant and accessible introduction!! I’m not well versed in philosophy and found this really easy to understand. I learned so much and would suggest this to anyone curious about philosophy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Sexual assault
daphne2000's review against another edition
DNF @ 70%
I don't consider myself an expert on ethics or super knowledgeable on philosophy in general, but I think I know too much to really enjoy this book. To be fair, this is an introductory text, so I don't blame the author.
The one real critique I have for the book was that it wasn't presented impartially. When the author presented critiques of different ethical theories, he acted like the critiques completely took down the theory and that no sane person would have an opinion that was different from his. I don't know if that was his intention, but he came off as though he was convinced that his opinions were the only correct ones out there.
I don't consider myself an expert on ethics or super knowledgeable on philosophy in general, but I think I know too much to really enjoy this book. To be fair, this is an introductory text, so I don't blame the author.
The one real critique I have for the book was that it wasn't presented impartially. When the author presented critiques of different ethical theories, he acted like the critiques completely took down the theory and that no sane person would have an opinion that was different from his. I don't know if that was his intention, but he came off as though he was convinced that his opinions were the only correct ones out there.
nataliamat's review against another edition
2.0
I expected a book for ‘beginners’ in ethics/philosophy, so I’m a bit dissatisfied. Honestly, for me it was often too hard to follow, as it was simply filled up with facts. It think it may serve as a great summary of different ethical thoughts for those, who are already into the topic but not for those unfamiliar with what this book is about.
Still, I enjoyed the contemplating nature of the book, as well as the broad range of perspectives it presented. It was quite analytical, and constantly introduced new ideas. I found some chapters inspiring and fascinating, however others seemed a bit dull... Not surprisingly, the chapters I enjoyed that concentrated on the topics I have already studied.
Now, I want to skim read through it and take some notes in order to really absorb the information. I don’t feel it was a waste of time, but comparing to the effort I put into reading it, the outcome is quite poor.
Still, I enjoyed the contemplating nature of the book, as well as the broad range of perspectives it presented. It was quite analytical, and constantly introduced new ideas. I found some chapters inspiring and fascinating, however others seemed a bit dull... Not surprisingly, the chapters I enjoyed that concentrated on the topics I have already studied.
Now, I want to skim read through it and take some notes in order to really absorb the information. I don’t feel it was a waste of time, but comparing to the effort I put into reading it, the outcome is quite poor.
steph_demel's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the best VSIs I've read so far. Blackburn's introduction to ethics is engaging, accessible, and packed full of useful information on the subject. I particularly like the way in which he organises the text into three broad sections "seven threats to ethics", "some ethical ideas", and "foundations", rather than separating each school of thought into its own chapter. This allows a fuller, richer discussion of the subject through bringing various strands of thought into dialogue and juxtaposition with one another, which - at least to me - feels more fruitful and interesting than the alternative of simply examining each alone. Highly recommended for anyone interested in, and looking to expand their knowledge of, this subject area.