Description
Book SynopsisA concise and accessible introduction to natural law ethics, this book introduces readers to the mainstream tradition of Western moral philosophy. Building on philosophers from Plato through Aquinas to John Finnis, Alfonso Gómez-Lobo links morality to the protection of basic human goods life, family, friendship, work and play, the experience of beauty, knowledge, and integrity elements essential to a flourishing, happy human life.
Gómez-Lobo begins with a discussion of Plato''s Crito as an introduction to the practice of moral philosophy, showing that it requires that its participants treat each other as equals and offer rational arguments to persuade each other. He then puts forth a general principle for practical rationality: one should pursue what is good and avoid what is bad. The human goods form the basis for moral norms that provide a standard by which actions can be evaluated: do they support or harm the human goods? He argues that moral norms should be understood a
Trade Review
... a readable and insightful conversation into the starting point and basic structure of moral philosophy. Catholic Studies An excellent introduction to the approach in moral philosophy. National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Original Setting: Plato's Crito 1. A First Principle 2. Supplementary Principles of Practical Rationality: Basic Human Goods 3. General Comments on Basic Goods 4. Prudential Guidelines for the Pursuit of Basic Goods 5. Agents, Actions, Consequences 6. Judging Actions: Moral Norms 7. On Abortion 8. On Euthanasia 9. Epilogue: At the Moral Crossroads
