The Moral Foundations of Parenthood

Reviews / Votes

This is an interesting and valuable contribution which will stimulate further debate in the field. * Sabine Hohl, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice * This book is an excellent example of how philosophy can shed light on extremely difficult and complex issues. Millum weaves together the various pieces of his theory of moral parenthood in a way that can only be described as masterful. The book is written in a style that is accessible and engaging, and will appeal to professionals and students in moral and political philosophy, political science, and sociology. It will be particularly useful as a primary text for a graduate seminar, as it gives an overview of the central concepts, debates, and theories that will leave the reader with a better understanding not only of moral parenthood but of the nature and origin of moral rights and responsibilities more generally. * Liezl van Zyl, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews * I regard The Moral Foundations of Parenthood as a major contribution to the literature on the ethics of parent-child relationships. The arguments are rigorous, bolstered by numerous case studies, and woven together into an impressively unified account of the rights and responsibilities of parents. There is much to grapple with in this thought-provoking book, and no one who writes about the moral philosophy of parenthood can afford to overlook it. * Hastings Report * a powerful integrated theory of moral parenthood. It is original, distinctive and it is shown to yield plausible answers to the kinds of puzzling cases that have preoccupied philosophers working in this area. Like all good philosophical theories Millum's is also one that will provoke a huge amount of critical debate. * Journal of Applied Philosophy * This comprehensive, clearly written, and philosophically acute text is required reading for anyone interested in the moral philosophy of parenthood. Millum argues for interesting and original views on the acquisition and content of parental rights and responsibilities. With a lucid discussion of methodology and moral theory, the book is accessible to students or non-specialists; at the same time, it makes a valuable, innovative contribution in an important contemporary debate over the moral basis, and content, of parenthood. * Dr. Elizabeth Brake, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Arizona State University * In The Moral Foundations of Parenthood, Joseph Millum applies his sharp mind to the basis for parental rights and responsibilities, offering a novel and unified account. His style is clear, his reasoning is rigorous, and the practical applications of his views are illustrated. Unlike proverbial apple pie, his conclusions about motherhood, and more especially fatherhood, will not be uncontroversial. However, even those who do not agree with him will be challenged by his arguments. * David Benatar, University of Cape Town
*