Thomas L. Carson est un professeur de philosophie dont le travail aborde principalement l'éthique et la philosophie morale. Il examine de manière critique des questions complexes relevant de l'éthique appliquée et de la philosophie de l'action, explorant les principes fondamentaux de la prise de décision morale et leurs implications sociétales. L'approche de Carson se caractérise par des méthodes analytiques rigoureuses et un engagement profond envers les dilemmes éthiques.
This book explores the author's struggle with moral relativism in ethics education, prompted by students' skepticism. It presents a nuanced position between minimal objectivism and moderate relativism, arguing against extreme irrationalism while acknowledging the challenges in defending strong objectivist views without bias.
Exploring the concept of "the good life," Thomas Carson critiques established philosophical theories, including hedonism and preference-satisfaction, while introducing a divine-preference theory of value. He challenges assumptions about moral realism and engages with classical ideas from Mill, Sidgwick, Nietzsche, and Aristotle. By employing thought experiments, Carson invites readers to clarify their values. His argument posits that goodness is determined by either divine preferences, if a benevolent God exists, or by human desires in the absence of such a deity, providing a fresh perspective on a timeless question.
The book delves into the moral implications of lying and deception, presenting a strong argument for a moral presumption against harmful dishonesty. Through case studies from various fields such as business, politics, and history, it explores the complexities surrounding these concepts. Additionally, the author provides a nuanced defense of honesty as a virtue, making the work a thorough examination of ethical considerations related to truthfulness.