With a clear presentation, Ethics: Theory and Practice educates readers about ethical theory and has them apply what they learn to specific classic and contemporary moral problems (lying, cheating, establishing ethical business practices, honoring ethical obligations in medicine, etc.).

What is morality? -- Consequentialist (teleological) theories of morality -- Nonconsequentialist (deontological) theories -- Virtue ethics -- Absolutism versus relativism -- Freedom versus determinism -- Reward and punishment -- Setting up a moral system : basic assumptions and basic principles -- The taking of human life -- Allowing someone to die, mercy death, and mercy killing -- Abortion -- Lying, cheating, breaking promises, and stealing -- Morality, marriage, and human sexuality -- Bioethics-ethical issues in medicine -- Business and media ethics -- Environmental ethics.