Synopses & Reviews
Consequentialism is a major approach to normative ethical theory, which considers the production of good and prevention of bad consequences the touchstone of the moral evaluation.
Consequentialism brings together for the first time both the main classical sources and the central contemporary expressions of this important position. Among classic sources, it includes empiricists such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, and rationalists like Henry Sidgwick and G. E. Moore. Contemporary consequentialist selections are included from Philip Pettit, Derek Parfit, Samuel Scheffler, Peter Railton, Richard B. Brandt, John C. Harsanyi, and Robert Adams. There are also two trenchant discussions of consequentialism by John Rawls and Amartya Sen. Edited and introduced by Stephen Darwall, these readings are essential for anyone interested in normative ethics.
Synopsis
Consequentialism collects, for the first time, both the main classical sources and the central contemporary expressions of this important position. Edited and introduced by Stephen Darwall, these readings are essential for anyone interested in normative ethics.
- Edited and introduced by Stephen Darwall, examines key topics in the consequentialist branch of moral theory.
- Includes seven essays which respond to the classic sources.
- Includes an insightful discussion of central topics in consequentialism by John Rawls and Amartya Sen.
- Includes classic articles by key figures such Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, Henry Sidgwick and G. E. Moore; and recent reactions to this work by philosophers including Philip Pettit, Derek Parfit, Samuel Scheffler, Peter Railton, R. B. Brandt, J. C. Harsanyi, and Robert Adams.
About the Author
‘A judicious selection, which offers not only a broad view of the main lines of consequentialist thought and its history, but an insight into significant recent developments within the tradition, and some widely discussed objections to it.’
Roger Crisp, St Anne's College 'Darwall's collection is ideal for a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in ethical theory in which consequentialism is a central topic. It contains generous excerpts from the main historical proponents of consequentialism and a well-chosen selection of contemporary expressions and discussions of consequentialism.’ David O. Brink, University of California, San Diego
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
Part I: Classical Sources:.
1. From An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation: Jeremy Bentham.
2. From Utilitarianism: John Stuart Mill.
3. From Dr Whewell on Moral Philosophy: John Stuart Mill.
4. From The Methods of Ethics: Henry Sidgwick.
5. From Principia Ethica: G. E. Moore.
Part II: Contemporary Expressions:.
6. Consequentialism: Philip Pettit.
7. From The Rejection of Consequentialism: Samuel Scheffler.
8. From Reasons and Persons:Derek Parfit.
9. Alienation, Consequentialism, and the Demands of Morality: Peter Railton.
10. Bayesian Decision Theory and Utilitarian Ethics: John C. Harsanyi.
11. Toward a Credible Form of Utilitarianism: Richard B. Brandt.
12. Motive Utilitarianism: Robert Adams.
Part III: Contemporary Discussion:.
13. Classical Utilitarianism: John Rawls.
14. Utilitarianism and Welfarism: Amartya Sen.
Index.