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Synopsis The book examines the nature of relation between ethics and society. It shows how ethical theories can be fruitful applied to practical life and can effectively deal with social problems like those concerning rights and justice, ethical issues in business and the professions as well as matters relating to the environment. Sketching the nature of applied ethics, it goes on to address to the theoretical issues of objectivity of ethical theories and moral reasons. Its distinctive contention that ethical theories and moral principles are necessary but defeasible runs consistently throughout the book and helps clarify the described problems and solutions thereof. Defeasibility of ethical theories goes hand in hand with the author's plea for justified violations of ethical theories by a reasoned balance of the spirit of the principles and the demands of the situation. The author's unique conception of moral personhood and his use of various strands of scholarship go a long way to buttress his argued contention of the relation of ethics to society. Ethics and society will benefit teachers, students, researchers and all those interested in moral philosophy, social and political philosophy and practical ethics.