Description
Book SynopsisExamines presuppositions and philosophical commitments that support and shape moral theories. This book discusses topics belonging to 'metaethics', the study of moral concepts, language, and thought rather than a study of moral issues themselves. It brings to light various philosophical problems raised by moral theorizing.
Trade Review"
Dimensions of Moral Theory is clear, concise, and in close touch with major texts in the history of ethics. It is remarkably comprehensive for a short book, and it is outstanding for its integration of the presentation of basic positions in ethical theory and the analysis of major issues in moral psychology."
Robert Audi, University of Nebraska "This book provides a lucid and engaging introduction to the major issues of moral theory which gives a fine sense of the complexities of the subject while remaining thoroughly accessible. What particularly impressed me is the way that Jacobs shows the relevance of the thought of classical authors, such as Aristotle, Hume, and Kant, to contemporary debate. There is a real sense of engaging in a continuing dialogue that spans the history of the subject. The book also contains a helpful glossary and study aids for the student." David McNaughton, Keele University
Table of ContentsPreface.
Acknowledgments.
1. Objectivity and Subjectivity.
Interpretations of Objectivity.
Monism and Pluralism.
This Way to Subjectivism.
Subjectivity and Sentiment.
Subjectivism and Skepticism.
Relativism.
Where Now?.
Questions for Discussion and Reflection.
Thinkers and Their Works and Further Reading.
Notes.
2. Moral Theory and Moral Psychology.
Moral Motivation.
Virtue and Motivation.
Self-interest and Morality.
What about Luck?.
Are Moral Considerations Overriding?.
Where Now?.
Questions for Discussion and Reflection.
Thinkers and Their Works and Further Reading.
Notes.
3. Forms of Moral Theory.
Consequentialism.
Kantian Non-consequentialism.
Intuitionist Non-consequentialism.
The Virtue-centered Approach.
Contractarianism.
Theories, Duties, and Metaethics.
Where Now?.
Questions for Discussion and Reflection.
Thinkers and Their Works and Further Reading.
Notes.
4. Naturalism and Non-naturalism.
Naturalism.
The Modern Debate about Naturalism.
Reconstructed Naturalism.
Non-cognitivist Alternatives.
Hume and Naturalism.
Reconnecting Facts and Values.
Aristotle and Naturalism.
Moral Facts and Explanation.
What About God?.
Where Now?.
Questions for Discussion and Reflection.
Thinkers and Their Works and Further Reading.
Notes.
Conclusion.
Glossary.
Bibliography.
Index.
