
Value and Justification
The Foundations of Liberal Theory
Gerald F. Gaus(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 31. August 1990
Book
Hardback
558 pages
978-0-521-37525-2 (ISBN)
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Description
This important new book takes as its points of departure two questions: What is the nature of valuing? and What morality can be justified in a society that deeply disagrees on what is truly valuable? In Part One, the author develops a theory of value that attempts to reconcile reason with passions. Part Two explores how this theory of value grounds our commitment to moral action. The author argues that rational moral action can neither be seen as a way of simply maximising one's own values, nor derived from reason independent of one's values. Rather, our commitment to the moral point of view is presupposed by our value systems. The book concludes with a defense of liberal political morality.
Reviews / Votes
'Gaus' work constitutes a highly original attempt to provide liberal theory with psychological and moral foundations.' Philip Pettit, The Australian National UniversityMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 37 mm
Weight
780 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-37525-2 (9780521375252)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Book
07/1990
Cambridge University Press
€117.20
Shipment within 15-20 days
Additional editions

Book
07/1990
Cambridge University Press
€117.20
Shipment within 15-20 days
Content
Preface; 1. The nature of the theories; Part I. A Theory of Value: 2. Emotion; 3. Valuing; 4. Value judgements; 5. Values and value systems; Part II. A Theory of Justification: 6. Value and moral reasons; 7. Telelogical and deontological justification 8. The state of nature; 9. The social contract; Appendices; Bibliography.