What makes something good or evil? What makes an action right or wrong? Explore competing answers from both classical and Christian perspectives. 

Morality and Immorality is a carefully edited anthology of the most influential primary sources in the history of moral philosophy and ethical reflection. Organized by major moral theories - from relativism and egoism to utilitarianism, deontology, natural law, and divine command theory - this volume includes seminal reflections on the nature of morality from such towering figures as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Kant, Mill, and W.D. Ross. Additionally, the volume highlights key contributions to moral theorizing from important Christian thinkers, including Augustine, Evagrius, Aquinas, Ockham, Calvin, C.S. Lewis, and Alasdair McIntyre, alongside key biblical and Christian texts like the Holiness Code, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Didache. Each reading is concisely introduced by the editor, providing context and thematic guidance. Ideal for undergraduate students, this volume brings together a comprehensive range of sources for moral inquiry - ancient, modern, secular, and sacred. 

J. Caleb Clanton is the Distinguished University Chair in Philosophy and Humanities and professor of philosophy at Lipscomb University. He is the coauthor (with Kraig Martin) of The Good and the Right: A Christian Introduction to Moral Philosophy, also published with ACU Press. 

"Clanton refuses the tired habit of sequestering Christian voices as 'merely religious,' instead placing Aquinas, Calvin, C.S. Lewis, and Scripture in a rightful conversation with Plato, Kant, Mill, and the rest of the canon. The result is a truly distinctive resource for Christian professors - one that marries robust engagement with the broad moral tradition to a faith-seeking-understanding approach to ethics." 

-Blake McAllister, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Hillsdale College

"The landscape of moral philosophy is so vast and craggy that even its most experienced travelers can get easily lost. Fortunately, Clanton is an able and attentive guide who has managed to lead readers carefully through the Western moral tradition by identifying the ideas in it that are essential and enduring. This book is an excellent supplement to any ethics class." 

-Derek Estes, Assistant Professor of Ethics and Religion, Pepperdine University 

ISBN: 9781684263127

Pages: 496

Dimensions (inches): 6 x 9 

Weight (pounds): 1