An Introduction to Contemporary Metaethics

An Introduction to Contemporary Metaethics

by Alex Miller (Author)

Synopsis

This introduction provides a highly readable critical overview of the main arguments and themes in twentieth--century and contemporary metaethics. It traces the development of contemporary debates in metaethics from their beginnings in the work of G. E. Moore up to the most recent arguments between naturalism and non--naturalism, cognitivism and non--cognitivism. * A highly readable critical overview of the main arguments and themes in twentieth century and contemporary metaethics. * Asks: Are there moral facts? Is there such a thing as moral truth? Is moral knowledge possible? * Traces the development of contemporary debates in metaethics from their beginnings in the work of G. E. Moore up to the most recent debates between naturalism and non--naturalism, cognitivism and noncognitivism. * Provides for the first time a critical survey of famous figures in twentieth century metaethics such as Moore, Ayer and Mackie together with in--depth discussions of contemporary philosophers such as Blackburn, Gibbard, Wright, Harman, Railton, Sturgeon, McDowell and Wiggins.

$13.87

Save:$10.31 (43%)

Quantity

1 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 328
Publisher: Polity Press
Published: 07 Aug 2003

ISBN 10: 074562345X
ISBN 13: 9780745623450

Media Reviews
An Introduction to Contemporary Metaethics provides for the first time a critical survey of famous figures in 20th Century metaethics together with in--depth discussions of contemporary philosophers and will be an invaluable resource for students, teachers and professional philosophers with interests in contemporary metaethics. Philosophical Inquiry In this book Alexander Miller, an established expert in moral philosophy, provides a concise, clear and insightful account of the central issues of metaethics. He manages to make these difficult issues accessible to those who are new to this area of philosophy, while offering original contributions to the debates that will be of interest to experts in the field. This is an engaging and accomplished introductory work. Philip Stratton--Lake, University of Reading Miller's book is ambitious, lucid, and comprehensive -- an extremely useful and detailed study of the field. I wish it had been available when I taught my graduate seminar in moral realism, for it would have made an excellent reference work throughout the course -- both for its clear exposition and its rigorous critical perspectives. I recommend it to all serious students of metaethics. John Corvino, Wayne State University
Author Bio
Alexander Miller is senior lecturer at Macquarie University, Sydney. He is the author of Philosophy of Language (1998) and co--editor (with Crispin Wright) of Rule--Following and Meaning (2002), as well as a number of articles on the philosophy of language and mind, metaphysics and metaethics.