Thomas L. Carson is een professor in de filosofie wiens werk zich voornamelijk richt op ethiek en moraalfilosofie. Hij onderzoekt kritisch complexe vraagstukken binnen de toegepaste ethiek en de handelingsfilosofie, en exploreert de fundamentele principes van morele besluitvorming en de maatschappelijke implicaties daarvan. Carson's benadering kenmerkt zich door strenge analytische methoden en een diepgaande betrokkenheid bij ethische dilemma's.
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.