Moral and Political Philosophy: Key Issues, Concepts and Theories

Paul Smith provides a clear and concise introduction to moral and political philosophy. His first four chapters consider arguments about controversial and topical practical issues -- drug laws, justifications of punishment, civil disobedience and whether there is a duty to obey the law, and global poverty. The next four chapters examine key concepts in moral and political theory -- liberty, reasons for laws that limit liberty (harm to others, offence, harm to self, and harmless wrongdoing), rights, equality and social justice. Finally he provides incisive critical examinations of key moral and political theories -- moral relativism, utilitarianism, Kantian moral philosophy, and Rawls's theory of justice, together with libertarian and egalitarian criticisms of Rawls.