Description
Book SynopsisJust as there are rational requirements on thought, there are rational requirements on action. This book defends a conception of ethics, and a related conception of human nature, according to which altruism is included among the basic rational requirements on desire and action.
Trade Review"An extremely tough, polished, and altogether stimulating piece of work."--New York Review of Books "Nagel's book is not a criticism of anybody else's book, nor a footnote to anybody else's theory. It is independent and clear, and very original."--Times Literary Supplement "This is a powerful and challenging work, skilfully organised and presented with economy, clarity, and style."--Bernard Mayo, Philosophical Books
Table of Contents*Frontmatter, pg. i*Preface, pg. vii*Postscript, pg. vii*Contents, pg. ix*I. The Foundation of Morals, pg. 3*II. The Traditional Controversy, pg. 7*III. The Solution, pg. 13*IV. Necessity and Interpretation, pg. 18*V. Desires, pg. 27*VI. Prudential Motives and the Present, pg. 33*VII. Reasons, pg. 47*VIII. The Interpretation of Prudential Reasons: Identity over Time, pg. 57*IX. Altruism: The Intuitive Issue, pg. 79*X. Objective Reasons, pg. 90*XI. Solipsism, Dissociation, and the Impersonal Standpoint, pg. 99*XII. The Interpretation of Objective Reasons, pg. 116*XIII. The Consequences, pg. 125*XIV. Conclusion, pg. 143*Index, pg. 147
