A Handbook of Ethical Theory

A Handbook of Ethical Theory by George Stuart Fullerton invites listeners to move beyond felt moral maxims toward clear, reflective understanding of right and good. First published in 1921, Fullerton’s classic offers a lucid, untechnical introduction to ethics and philosophical method, tracing the “accepted content” of morals and the development of moral codes from communities and moralists to modern reflective thought. Fullerton examines communal codes—justice, veracity, and the common good—then surveys moral traditions from Epicurean and Stoic to Plato, Aristotle, and Christian teachings, showing how lists of virtues have been shaped and stretched. In his treatment of ethical method he outlines the awakening to reflection, contrasts inductive and deductive approaches, and considers the authority of moral data and the materials of ethical inquiry. The tone is educational and accessible, written for classroom use but rich in philosophical insight. Ideal for students of philosophy and ethics, teachers seeking a clear syllabus, or curious listeners wanting a rigorous primer on moral theory, this audiobook makes early 20th-century ethical scholarship approachable and relevant to contemporary moral questions.