Esteemed moral philosopher James Rachels here collects fifteen essays, some classic and others extensively revised, on the nature and limits of moral reasoning. Rachels argues that, rather than simply expressing societal conventions, moral philosophy can subvert received opinion and replace it with something better. Combining a concern for ethical theory with a discussion of practical moral issues such as euthanasia, the rights of animals, privacy, and affirmative action. Can Ethics Provide Answers is an excellent collection for students, scholars, and anyone concerned with the degree to which our principles can guide our policies.

Chapter 1 Moral Philosophy as a Subversive Activity Chapter 2 Can Ethics Provide Answers? Chapter 3 John Dewey and the Truth about Ethics Chapter 4 Active and Passive Euthanasia Chapter 5 Killing, Letting Die, and the Value of Life Chapter 6 Do Animals Have Rights? Chapter 7 The Moral Argument for Vegetarianism Chapter 8 God and Moral Autonomy Chapter 9 Lying and the Ethics of Absolute Rules Chapter 10 Why Privacy Is Important Chapter 11 Reflections on the Idea of Equality Chapter 12 What People Deserve Chapter 13 Coping with Prejudice Chapter 14 Morality, Parents, and Children Chapter 15 When Philosophers Shoot from the Hip