Description

Book Synopsis
Is there a limit to the legitimate demands of morality? In particular, is there a limit to people''s responsibility to promote the well-being of others, either directly or via social institutions? Utilitarianism admits no such limit, and is for that reason often said to be an unacceptably demanding moral and political view. In this original new study, Murphy argues that the charge of excessive demands amounts to little more than an affirmation of the status quo. The real problem with utilitarianism is that it makes unfair demands on people who comply with it in our world of nonideal compliance. Murphy shows that this unfairness does not arise on a collective understanding of our responsibility for others'' well being. Thus, according to Murphy, while there is no general problem to be raised about the extent of moral demands, there is a pressing need to acknowledge the collective nature of the demands of beneficence.

Trade Review
"Readers will learn much by workings through Murphy's book. It advances discussion on several important topics regarding benificence."--Thaddues Metz, Philosophical Review

Moral Demands in Nonideal Theory

    Product form

    A Paperback by Liam B. Murphy

    £39.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 11 Sep 2026.

    15 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Moral Demands in Nonideal Theory by Liam B. Murphy

      Book details

      Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
      Published 11/27/2003 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN-13 9780195171952
      978-0195171952
      ISBN-10 0195171950
      Also in:
      Ethics and moral philosophy Political ideologies and movements

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Is there a limit to the legitimate demands of morality? In particular, is there a limit to people''s responsibility to promote the well-being of others, either directly or via social institutions? Utilitarianism admits no such limit, and is for that reason often said to be an unacceptably demanding moral and political view. In this original new study, Murphy argues that the charge of excessive demands amounts to little more than an affirmation of the status quo. The real problem with utilitarianism is that it makes unfair demands on people who comply with it in our world of nonideal compliance. Murphy shows that this unfairness does not arise on a collective understanding of our responsibility for others'' well being. Thus, according to Murphy, while there is no general problem to be raised about the extent of moral demands, there is a pressing need to acknowledge the collective nature of the demands of beneficence.

      Trade Review
      "Readers will learn much by workings through Murphy's book. It advances discussion on several important topics regarding benificence."--Thaddues Metz, Philosophical Review

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account