Ethical Contexts and Theoretical Issues: Essays in Ethical Thinking

ISBN: 1443817643

Author: Santiago Sia

Condition: New

Product DescriptionEthics has become a particularly relevant topic for discussion and a subject for serious study. It has a very long tradition, of course; but now a days one hears frequently of the need, because of abuses or concerns, to formulate and adopt ethical codes in various areas or professions. This book aims to make a philosophical contribution to the discussions and debates on the topic. Compared to the traditional approach to the philosophical study of ethics of articulating and defending an ethical theory and then applying it to specific situations, however, this book adopts a different strategy. It shows that such ethical thinking, in the concrete particulars, originates in various academic and professional contexts, among others. But in as much as theoretical issues require wider and more intensive attention, it argues that ethical thinking needs to be pursued further and that it can be aided by philosophical investigations. Moreover, in its concluding chapters the book presents an alternative foundation for ethical decision-making. Philosophically grounded, it moves away from an individualistic ethical perspective to a relational one that has been shaped through dialogue with the various contexts in which ethical thinking arises.ReviewAn interesting, thoughtful and well-written book intended to create a better understanding of the field of Ethics and how Ethics is a vehicle that can smoothly move across a variety of disciplines, practices and professions. I would certainly use it in my teaching. --Elaine Englehardt, Editor, Teaching Ethics, Distinguished Professor of Ethics, Utah Valley University, USASantiago Sia s new book will be welcomed by practitioners in many areas, including the sciences and medicine. It has been some time in the making. I watched with interest as his thought evolved through engagement with real problems in medicine, radiology and indeed other areas. His approach is well-grounded in the heritage of western thought and fully alert to its various trends and schools. It provides and contextualizes real useful and timely advice. I strongly recommend it to those in the sciences or medicine who are perplexed by the ethical issues they daily encounter. A real addition to the literature. --Jim Malone, Robert Boyle Professor of Medical Physics, Trinity College/St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Consultant to the IAEA, Vienna, AustriaAbout the AuthorSantiago Sia, currently Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of Milltown Institute (a recognized college of the National University of Ireland), was previously Professor of Philosophy and Director of Ethical Studies at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. In addition to his scholarly work, teaching and administrative work, he has also been recruited as consultant on ethical matters by a number of international organizations.