Why Be Good?: A Historical Introduction to Ethics

Why Be Good is an introduction to ethics whose guiding theme is the question posed by Thasymachus in Plato's Republic. Historically organized, the text presents a series of responses to the title question from Plato, Aristotle, thinkers in Christianity, Aquinas, Hobbes, Hume, Kant, Mill, Nietzsche, and several twentieth century philosophers. Duncan Richter explains each philosophers thoughts on ethics, virtue, and character and discusses ensuing objections to each philosophers arguments. Along the way, students are encouraged to think about their own lives, what it meant to be good, and why or, rather, if they shoudl be good. Key terms appear for the first time in boldface, questions end each chapter, and suggestions for further reading are provided throughout.