Problems in Value Theory An Introduction to Contemporary Debates: Matt Flannagan's Chapter with Graham Oppy is finally published
/Editor’s Note: This article was originally published at MandM.org.nz.
Yesterday, I was informed that the book Problems in Value Theory An Introduction to Contemporary Debates has finally been published. The book is now available both on amazon on Bloomsbury’s website. Chapter 3 of this book “Does Morality Depend on God?” is co-authored by myself and Graham Oppy (Monash University). Both Graham and I each wrote an article (around 5000 words) spelling out our respective answers to the question, and then wrote a shorter piece (1500 words) where we responded to the other’s original essay.
Problems in Value Theory is edited by Steve Cowan (Lincoln Memorial University). The table of contents is as follows:
Introduction, Steven B. Cowan
Part I: Problems in Ethics and Aesthetics
Introduction to Part I, Steven B. Cowan
1. Is Morality Relative?
Morality Is Relative, Michael Ruse
Morality Is Objective, Francis J. Beckwith
Responses:
Beckwith’s Response to Ruse
Ruse’s Response to Beckwith
2. What Makes Actions Right or Wrong?
Consequences Make Actions Right, Alastair Norcross
Respect for Persons Makes Actions Right, Mark Linville
Responses:
Linville’s Response to Norcross
Norcross’s Response to Linville
3. Does Morality Depend on God?
Morality Depends on God, Matthew Flannagan
Morality Does Not Depend on God, Graham Oppy
Responses:
Oppy’s Response to Flannagan
Flannagan’s Response to Oppy
4. Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?
Beauty is Relative, James Mock
Beauty is Objective, Carol S. Gould
Responses:
Gould’s Response to Mock
Mock’s Response to Gould
5. What Is the Meaning of Life?
The Meaning of Life Is Found in God, Douglas Groothuis
The Meaning of Life Can Be Found without God, Christine Vitrano
Responses:
Vitrano’s Response to Groothuis
Groothuis” s Response to Vitrano
Essay Suggestions
For Further Reading
Part II: Problems in Political Philosophy
Introduction to Part II, Steven B. Cowan
6. Do We Need Government?
We Do Not Need Government, Roderick T. Long
We Need Some Government, Alex Tuckness
Responses:
Tuckness’s Response to Long
Long’s Response to Tuckness
7. Should Wealth Be Redistributed?
Wealth Should Be Redistributed, Jon Mandle
Wealth Should Not Be Redistributed, Jan Narveson
Responses:
Narveson’s Response to Mandle
Mandle’s Response to Narveson
8. When May the Government Wage War?
The Government Should Never Wage War, Andrew Alexandra
The Government May Sometimes Wage War, Nathan L. Cartagena
Responses:
Cartagena’s Response to Alexandra
Alexandra’s Response to Cartagena
Essay Suggestions
For Further Reading
Index
The blurb from Bloomberry is as follows:
Problems in Value Theory takes a pro and con approach to central topics in aesthetics, ethics and political theory.
Each chapter begins with a question: What Makes Actions Right or Wrong? Does Morality Depend on God? Do We Need Government? Contemporary philosophers with opposing viewpoints are then paired together to argue their position and raise problems with conflicting standpoints. Alongside an up-to-date introduction to a core philosophical stance, each contributor provides a critical response to their opponent and clear explanation of their view.
Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter to guide further discussion.
With chapters ranging from why the government should never wage war to what is art and does morality depend on God, this introduction covers questions lying at the heart of debates about what does and does not have value.
Get your copy now, read it, and let me know what you think both here and on Amazon. I am sure there is much more both Graham and I could say on this topic. Graham Oppy is one the best Philosophers of Religion in the world, and it was a real privilege being part of this project with him.
