ISBN9780495095026

the information is overwhelming.....this is my first Philosophy book and I am amazed at all the information that is in this book.....wonderful scenarios to discuss in class......makes you look at things from the other side of the fence.....only drawback....takes forever to read.....this book is not for the speed-reader.....

I am a professor who teaches Bioethics, primarily to college nursing students. I have used many textbooks over the years and have reviewed dozens. I have used Munson's text for the last 3 years. This particular edition is his strongest yet. Potential readers should be aware that Munson takes an encylopedic approach to the field. Each chapter includes a focus case, additional cases, ethical analysis, survey of the context, and a selection of articles written by bioethicists that cover a variety of opionions on the issue. This approach has both its strengths and its drawbacks. On the positive side, Munson's text is an excellent resource for faculty who wish to reduce the course to a single text. There is very little need to supplement the text in any way.

But the encylopedic approach has its drawbacks. First, each chapter is very long and slow to read. I have found resistance from students to read entire chapters. The next time I use the text I will direct the students to particular sections within the chapters. Second, and more problematic, the text is rather undeveloped in its moral theory. Munson confines his explict moral reasoning to a specific section in each chapter, often devoting no more than a short paragraph to each school of thought. In addition, Munson only rarely takes a position on these issues himself. Without a central guiding moral vision or approach, students are often left bewildered and perplexed about what to think of these issues themselves.

In the end, I believe that the strengths of Munson's text outweigh its shortcomings, though professors who are considering this volume should be aware that they will need to do a lot of focusing of class discussions.

This book is a great guide. There is a lot of material to cover and the book does a great job in explaining and giving examples. There is a lot of reading so be prepared.

arirved as described good shape and on time

The shipping was remarkably fast!! It is a text for a class so it isn't something I am thrilled about reading, but it is a good book if you are looking for something for medical ethics.