Triumph of Practice over Theory in Ethics

Advance Praise: "This is a book that initiates an important debate by challenging the beliefs of moral philosophers about the implications of their theoretical disagreements. Much of importance turns on Sterba's provocative thesis that he has understood our views a great deal better than we have understood them ourselves, whether we are Aristotelians, Kantians, or utilitarians. It is a book not only for philosophers, but also for students of conflictresolution. Sterba's enterprise is one for which we can all be grateful, whatever our final verdict on it."--Alasdair MacIntyre, University of Notre DameAdvance Praise: "This is a book that initiates an important debate by challenging the beliefs of moral philosophers about the implications of their theoretical disagreements. Much of importance turns on Sterba's provocative thesis that he has understood our views a great deal better than we have understood them ourselves, whether we are Aristotelians, Kantians, or utilitarians. It is a book not only for philosophers, but also for students of conflictresolution. Sterba's enterprise is one for which we can all be grateful, whatever our final verdict on it."--Alasdair MacIntyre, University of Notre Dame"Using concrete detail in application to actual cases, James Sterba gives all of us reason to reflect on the question of how far our differences in moral theory prevent us from seeing how we might come together on important matters of moral practice."-Peter Railton, University of Michigan

• 1: Introduction 2: Aristotelians and Kantians and the Justification for Morality 3: Kantians and Utilitarians, and the Poor, Disadvantaged, Innocent 4: Kantians and Utilitarians and the Moral Status of Nonhuman Life Philosophical Interlude: 5: Understanding, Explaining, and Eliminating Sexual Harassment 6: Defending Affirmative Action, Defending Preferences 7: International Terrorism and Iraqi War II 8: Conclusion Notes Selected Bibliography Index