A reader recently asked me to recommend an intro to ethics book that covered the major ethical theories. That’s harder to do than it sounds. There are several books that engage the three major philosophical approaches to ethics, but few that do it in a way that’s approachable and accessible to those without an extensive philosophy background.

Similarly, I recently had to find a chapter that introduces the major ethical theories for the Marine Command and Staff College. The best single chapter I’ve found so far is the first chapter of Robert Audi’s book, Human Value and Human Diversity. It’s approachable, it covers the major views, and it doesn’t get bogged down in philosophical minutiae.

Since this question has come up twice in as many weeks, I thought I’d take a stab at introducing the theories here in short form. So, here it is. Your introduction to moral philosophy in one short newsletter.

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