New Textbook Challenges Traditional Ethics Education with Groundbreaking, Skills-Based Approach

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES, September 18, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- College ethics courses often follow a familiar pattern: students study classical theories and debate polarized issues. Educator Mark T. Holcombe asks a critical question: what if the goal is not simply to take sides, but to equip students with durable, practical skills? Answering this, Holcombe has released his innovative textbook, Critical Moral Reasoning: An Applied Empirical Ethics Approach.

The book’s core message is clear: ethics education should develop a robust skill set rather than aim to “win” arguments. Readers learn to deconstruct moral problems by identifying relevant facts, applying ethical principles, and understanding the psychological motivations behind disagreements. This transforms abstract ethical theory into a practical tool for modern life.

Targeted at university students in introductory ethics, critical thinking, and contemporary moral issues courses, the textbook is also a vital resource for professionals in technology, healthcare, and business, where ethical decision-making is increasingly complex. Holcombe’s method equips readers with a lasting competency far beyond memorized opinions.

Holcombe’s writing is accessible and direct, avoiding dense philosophical jargon. He guides readers through complex ideas using clear, practical language while maintaining intellectual rigor. The book’s methodology integrates contemporary moral psychology—drawing on Jonathan Haidt’s research on intuitive moral foundations—to illustrate how people actually make judgments. Each chapter on topics like abortion, animal rights, and social justice includes current empirical data, encouraging evidence-based reasoning over emotion-driven conclusions.

At the heart of the learning model is casuistry, or case-based reasoning. Students engage with real-life scenarios—from password sharing and AI deepfakes to civil protests—developing the mental skills needed for sound ethical analysis in both personal and professional contexts.

About the Author
Mark T. Holcombe is an educator, researcher, and curriculum designer specializing in bridging theory and real-world application. With advanced degrees in Philosophy and Science Education, he has taught at multiple universities and developed innovative assessment tools for moral reasoning. Certified in generative AI by Google, Holcombe leverages cutting-edge insights to prepare students for the ethical complexities of today’s world.

Mark T. Holcombe
Mark T. Holcombe
mtholcombe@icloud.com
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