The Right Thing to Do

The ninth edition of James Rachels’ and Stuart Rachels’ moral philosophy reader continues its legacy of providing students with foundational moral philosophy texts and a diverse collection of contemporary, thought-provoking essays.
Introductory essays by James Rachels supplement foundational readings in moral theory to provide students with a framework to engage with ethical issues. From discussions of right and wrong and duty and virtue, the book proceeds to contemporary themes so students may apply foundational concepts to current events and controversies.
Eight new readings from Elizabeth Kolbert, Nicholas Kristof, David Frum, and Stuart Rachels engage students on topics of climate change, immigration, childcare and education, gun violence, and government authority.

Author Biography

James Rachels was Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA. He wrote The End of Life: Euthanasia and Morality, Created from Animals: The Moral Implications of Darwinism, Can Ethics Provide Answers? And Other Essays in Moral Philosophy, Problems from Philosophy, and The Legacy of Socrates: Essays in Moral Philosophy. Stuart Rachels retired from teaching philosophy in 2024. He has revised several of James Rachels’ books, including The Elements of Moral Philosophy and The Right Thing to Do. He also wrote The Best I Saw in Chess: Games, Stories and Instruction from an Alabama Prodigy Who Became U.S. Champion.