Exploration of Hot Topics in Applied Ethics

Author: Guo Guangyin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: This book is a study on applied ethics, one of the most popular disciplines in contemporary Western academia. Postscript: As a newly emerging discipline, applied ethics has developed rapidly, presenting a vibrant and prosperous picture and has become a "leading field" in contemporary academia. On one hand, this is due to the continuous emergence of moral dilemmas and ethical conflicts in social practice, which urgently require applied ethics to provide reasonable and appropriate interpretations and solutions. At the same time, the "application-oriented" nature of applied ethics demands that it constantly focuses on and responds to dynamic and specific contexts, forming a positive interaction with them. On the other hand, since applied ethics has a relatively short history of emergence and rise, a systematic and complete theoretical framework and academic system has not yet fully taken shape. Especially in many fundamental issues, there are still controversies and disagreements, and several unknown areas still need further exploration and clarification. Therefore, we have followed the trends of disciplinary development and conducted specialized research on several hot topics in applied ethics research, collectively compiling this book. The "Applied Ethics: Exploring Hot Topics" presented to the readers is the result of joint research and collective collaboration. First, the editor proposed the framework, writing outline, and basic requirements. Subsequently, several young scholars and doctoral candidates from Nanjing University who specialize in various fields of applied ethics held a dedicated compilation discussion meeting. At the meeting, everyone further clarified the guiding ideology and format specifications of the writing, thoroughly discussed the writing outline, and determined the specific division of labor for the authors (in the order of writing): 1. Guo Guangyin, 2. Chi Zhongjun, 3. Wu Cuili, 4. Li Yong, 5. Luo Xiaoquan, 6. He Chengyao, 7. Zhao Hua, 8. Yang Xiaohua, 9. Yu Yanfang. Finally, the editor revised, compiled, and finally finalized the entire manuscript. It should be noted that while ensuring relative consistency in format, the book also preserves the ideological characteristics and writing styles of each author. The book adopts a thematic research structure, conducting in-depth discussions and explorations on hot and cutting-edge issues as well as unresolved important problems in several key areas of applied ethics research. By drawing on and reviewing the research achievements of predecessors and peers, the authors have proposed their own perspectives and viewpoints on certain issues, striving for innovation and breakthroughs. However, due to the relatively new field of applied ethics itself and our limited expertise, as well as the tight schedule, some views in this book may still be immature, and some parts may be imperfect. We sincerely hope for the readers' criticism and corrections. During the writing process of this book, we referred to some research achievements and relevant materials in domestic academia, and we express our heartfelt gratitude here. The publication of this book has been greatly supported and enthusiastically assisted by the leaders and editors of Jiangsu People's Publishing House, and we extend our sincere thanks for their hard work. Guo Guangyin Yang Ming March 2004, Nanjing University