Moral Theory

Humanity is racing to create machine intelligence vastly smarter than the human brain. We will succeed. Blending accessible philosophy with the latest in AI developments, Mind Crime: The Moral Frontier of Artificial Intelligence forces listeners to grapple with the moral questions we can no longer afford to ignore. Are we prepared for the consequences of artificial superintelligence? Will humanity's survival be threatened, perhaps within years? Is digital consciousness possible? Are we sleepwalking into horrific moral catastrophe?

Adam Smith (1723-1790) was a Scottish social philosopher and a pioneer of political economy. One of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, Smith is the author of The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations, his magnum opus and the first modern work of economics. It earned him an enormous reputation and would become one of the most influential works on economics ever published. Smith is widely cited as the father of modern economics and capitalism. Smith studied social philosophy at the University of Glasgow and the University of Oxford.

‘How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it except the pleasure of seeing it.’ So begins The Theory of Moral Sentiments...

In Thick and Thin: Moral Argument at Home and Abroad, Michael Walzer revises and extends the arguments in his influential Spheres of Justice, framing his ideas about justice, social criticism, and national identity in light of the new political world that has arisen in the past three decades. Walzer focuses on two different but interrelated kinds of moral argument: Maximalist and minimalist, thick and thin, local and universal.

The foundations of capitalism, explained by the man who defined it. This edition features a custom introduction offering clear biographical insight into Adam Smith’s life and the ideas that shaped the modern world.

Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), the English philosopher, writer on law and political radical, was an extraordinary individual. His preserved body can still be seen seated in a case in the South Cloisters of University College, London - what he called an auto-icon. His most important legacy, however...

In this classic work, Alasdair MacIntyre examines the historical and conceptual roots of the idea of virtue, diagnoses the reasons for its absence in personal and public life, and offers a tentative proposal for its recovery. While the individual chapters are wide-ranging, once pieced together, they comprise a penetrating and focused argument about the price of modernity.

What drives our decisions, shapes our lives, and gives meaning to the everyday? In Axiology for Beginners: Discovering What Matters and Why, you’ll dive into the powerful realm of values—the invisible forces that define who we are, what we believe, and where we’re going. This book isn’t just about understanding the concept of values; it’s a journey to uncover the true motivations behind our choices, beliefs, and actions. Ready to see the world with fresh eyes? Here’s what Axiology for Beginners offers: Clarity in a Complex World: With clear language and practical examples, this ...

In Thomas Ligotti's first nonfiction outing, an examination of the meaning (or meaninglessness) of life through an insightful, unsparing argument that proves the greatest horrors are not the products of our imagination but instead are found in reality. "There is a signature motif discernible in...

In a historically unprecedented collaboration, leading futurist and bestselling author Jamie Metzl partners with the AI system GPT-5 to demonstrate a breathtaking possibility: that advanced artificial intelligence, guided by human ethics and wisdom, can help shape a more humane future. At a moment of rapid AI disruption, growing concern about AI governance, and deep uncertainty about the future of technology, this groundbreaking work reveals how we can partner with advanced AI to foster peace, understanding, and responsible decision-making-if we are ready to listen.

Justice, Power, and Society: Exploring the Foundations of Moral and Political Theory is a clear and engaging guide to the ideas that have shaped human thought for centuries. From Plato’s vision of the just republic to Aristotle’s ethics of civic virtue, from social contract theory to Enlightenment ideals of liberty and rights, from utilitarianism to Marxist critiques of inequality, this book explores how great thinkers have answered the timeless questions: What is justice? Why should we obey laws? How can power be made legitimate? Moving beyond the classics, this book also examines the ...

The Origins of Moral Understanding Explained: Jean Piaget’s Theory of Moral Development, Heteronomous and Autonomous Morality, Justice, Rules, Cooperation, and the Growth of Fairness What does it really mean for a child to understand fairness? How do children move from blind rule following to thoughtful moral reasoning grounded in justice and cooperation? In The Origins of Moral Understanding Explained, The Practical Atlas offers a deep and accessible exploration of Jean Piaget’s groundbreaking theory of moral development. This book examines how children construct their understanding of...

This book provides a complete overview of the American Founders' political theory, covering natural rights, natural law, state of nature, social compact, consent, and the policy implications of these ideas. The book is intended as a response to the current scholarly consensus, which holds that the Founders' political thought is best understood as an amalgam of liberalism, republicanism, and perhaps other traditions. 

In this work, Smith sets out a foundation for a general system of morals where the greatest prudence, may lie in following economic self-interest in order to secure the basic necessities. This is only the first step, however, toward the much higher goal of achieving a morally virtuous life. Smith's ideas have resonated through the decades and he continues to inspire and challenge modern listeners.

The Anthropology of Conspiracy Theories: Hidden Narratives, Secret Enemies, and Apocalyptic Belief explains why conspiracy theories recur across cultures and historical periods, and why they gain force during crisis, mistrust, and rapid social change. Instead of dismissing conspiracy thinking as mere irrationality, the book treats it as a recognizable social pattern. It shows how hidden-plot narratives give shape to confusion, how accusations against secret enemies turn abstract anxiety into a human target, and how stories of revelation and apocalypse flourish when official explanations ...

David Hume (1711-1776) remains a major figure in British philosophy, particularly for two or three works, including A Treatise on Human Nature and An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. But he was also a prolific essayist and historian. During his lifetime Essays Moral, Political and...

What is the foundation of moral judgment? How should we act in a complex modern world? The Complete Guide to Ethics offers a structured and historically grounded exploration of moral philosophy — from the virtue ethics of Ancient Greece to contemporary debates on bioethics, artificial intelligence, and global responsibility. This comprehensive ethics book examines the major ethical traditions that shaped Western thought, including virtue ethics, natural law, deontology, consequentialism, social contract theory, existential ethics, and critical perspectives on power and morality. Whether ...

One of the most salient features of our culture is that there is so much bulls**t. Everyone knows this. Each of us contributes his share. But we tend to take the situation for granted. Most people are rather confident of their ability to recognize bulls**t and to avoid being taken in by it. So the phenomenon has not aroused much deliberate concern. We have no clear understanding of what bulls**t is, why there is so much of it, or what functions it serves.

“Self is the most daring and delightful novelist of his generation.”—Guardian A blistering, brilliant novel from the Booker-shortlisted author, elegantly reflecting his Geoffrey Faber Memorial award-winning story collection The Quantity Theory of Insanity In The Quantity Theory of Morality...

In Moral Boundaries Joan C. Tronto provides one of the most original responses to the controversial questions surrounding women and caring. Tronto demonstrates that feminist thinkers have failed to realize the political context which has shaped their debates about care. It is her belief that...