Applied Ethics: The Philosophy of Right and Wrong

This book is an introduction and guide to some of the pressing contemporary problems in applied ethics. Beginning with an introduction which charts the distinctive contribution philosophy can make practical issues, it addresses six problems: What are the moral restrictions (if any) on the human consumption of non-human animals? Should we protect free speech, even where it does harm? Is abortion morally permissible? Is affirmative action ever justifiable? How should healthcare and education be fairly distributed (and who should pay)? Is consent sufficient to render a sexual act morally permissible?

The book has been expressly written and designed as an e-book, with short, easily digestible chapters, suggestions for further reading, questions to stimulate further thought and a helpful glossary. The chapters are self-contained, so can be read individually or in any order. The book as a whole serves as an ideal introduction to applied ethics, suitable for undergraduate students and any interested reader.