Mark T Holcombe

Critical
moral
reasoning

A bold ethics book applying moral philosophy to real life through logic, data, and case studies.

about the author

Mark T. Holcombe

Mark T. Holcombe is an ethics educator, AI consultant, and author known for his innovative approach to applied moral reasoning. With advanced degrees in Philosophy and Science Education, he has taught across educational levels and professional settings, blending empirical research, critical thinking, and emerging technologies into ethical instruction.

As founder of Mentat AI Consulting, Holcombe advises schools, nonprofits, and small businesses on responsible AI use. His book Critical Moral Reasoning redefines ethics education through real-world case studies and empirical moral logic, positioning him as a leading voice in AI ethics and educational innovation.

About the book

Critical moral reasoning

Critical Moral Reasoning offers a bold, modern take on ethics, blending moral philosophy with real-world case studies, empirical research, and practical reasoning skills. It challenges conventional approaches by integrating insights from moral psychology, rethinking classic theories like Rawls without political framing, and addressing timely issues such as generative AI and virtue ethics. Designed for students, critical thinkers, and those seeking help in writing a book on complex ethical topics, this book redefines how we engage with morality in today’s rapidly changing world.

Critical Moral Reasoning:
An Applied Empirical Ethics Approach

Article:
Moving Beyond Debate: How Mark T. Holcombe is Shaping Ethics Education for the 21st Century

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Mark T. Holcombe Author of Critical moral reasoning

Read Our Blogs

Ideas, Insights &
Real-World Reasoning

Explore how moral philosophy meets everyday life, emerging tech, and the evolving classroom.

OCT 5, 2023

Why Traditional Ethics Education Falls Short in the 21st Century

Discover why outdated anthologies no longer serve today’s learners and what to replace them with.

OCT 5, 2023

Rawls Reframed: A Libertarian Critique of Justice Without Politics

A fresh look at John Rawls that strips away policy debates to focus on core moral reasoning.

OCT 5, 2023

Teaching Ethics in the Age of AI: Practical Tools for Educators

Empower students to think critically about generative AI and its ethical implications.

Executive responsibility and the moral development of agentic artificial intelligence

Executive Responsibility and the Moral Development of Agentic Artificial Intelligence

The rise of agentic artificial intelligence creates a responsibility problem before it creates a consciousness problem. Mark T. Holcombe examines functional agency, moral patienthood, AI

September 7, 2026

Political Deepfakes, Rage Bait, and the New Politics of Shitposting

As the 2026 midterm election cycle accelerates, voters are entering an information environment shaped not only by political deepfakes, but also by rage bait, AI-generated

August 28, 2026

Identity Ethics and the Distributed Self in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Moral Rights over the Creation, Observation, Prediction, and Manipulation of Identity

Artificial intelligence is transforming identity from something primarily embodied and relational into a distributed digital construct that can be observed, predicted, synthesized, and manipulated. This

July 24, 2026

Modern data center infrastructure near an urban neighborhood, representing Birmingham’s debate over AI infrastructure regulation and public accountability.

Birmingham’s Data Center Debate: What City Council and the IDB Got Right, and Where They Failed

What happens when a city regulates AI infrastructure but fails to give affected communities a meaningful role in deciding where its burdens fall?
Birmingham’s

July 6, 2026

Brain Death, Fetal Personhood, and the Moral Community

In season three of The Handmaid’s Tale, Natalie, slave-named Ofmatthew, is kept alive after being shot because she is pregnant. Her fetus becomes the physician’s

June 25, 2026

How Improper AI Use Undermines Rational Agency

Can AI use become a form of moral self-harm?
Many discussions of AI ethics focus on bias, privacy, and regulation. A less examined question

June 16, 2026

reviews

Critical Moral Reasoning is much more than a textbook, it's a guide to thinking clearly about difficult ethical questions. The distinction between legality and morality is explained in a way that gives readers a practical framework for evaluating real-world issues. The case studies are engaging, relevant, and thought-provoking, making complex philosophical concepts accessible without sacrificing depth. This is an outstanding resource for students, educators, and anyone interested in developing stronger critical thinking and moral reasoning skills.

Critical Moral Reasoning: An Applied Empirical Ethics Approach is a remarkable exploration of ethical decision-making. Through case-based reasoning and the thoughtful use of empirical evidence, it examines complex moral dilemmas with exceptional clarity while equipping readers with practical critical reasoning skills. It is an insightful, engaging, and genuinely significant work that encourages meaningful discussion long after the final page

Some books do more than explain ideas, they challenge the way we think. Critical Moral Reasoning: An Applied Empirical Ethics Approach stands out by moving beyond abstract ethical theories and placing readers in real-world situations where morality is rarely simple. Through authentic case studies and empirical evidence, it encourages thoughtful discussion rather than easy answers. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished reading

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