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 

"While several strong Christian ethics readers exist, this edited collection- and its companion volume The Good and the Right- stands out for placing scriptural sources of moral reflection alongside traditional philosophical ones. Its inclusion of key biblical texts underscores how God is both the beginning and end of moral deliberation, resulting in an excellent guide through major normative theories and complex debates in metaethics. It will be an invaluable resource for students and teachers!"

-Johnathan Rutledge, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Asbury University

"Morality and Immorality is best of class. Anyone seriously interested in the norms of human behavior would benefit from the exceptionally well organized collection of the brightest lights in the Western sky."

-Kraig Martin, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Harding University

"Clanton has put together a fine collection of some of the most important texts in the field of moral philosophy. These excerpts and essays will serve as a nice starting point for university ethics students and teachers eager to engage the voices of seminal philosophers and moral theologians. In particular, this text will be a fine supplement in ethics courses that are using Clanton's excellent moral philosophy textbook, The Good and the Right: A Christian Introduction to Moral Philosophy. This companion offers professors substantial  opportunities to introduce students to those thinkers whose legacy continues to shape the moral questions that we ask."

-Dr. Vic McCracken, Professor of Ethics and Theology, Abilene Christian University

ISBN: 9781684263127

Pages: 496

Dimensions (inches): 6 x 9 

Weight (pounds): 1