
Utilitarianism
Tim Mulgan(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 2. January 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
76 pages
978-1-108-73060-0 (ISBN)
Description
Moral theories can be distinguished not only by the answers they give but also by the questions they ask. Utilitarianism's central commitment is to the promotion of well-being, impartially considered. This commitment shapes utilitarianism in a number of ways. If scarce resources should be directed where they will best promote well-being, and if theoretical attention is a scarce resource, then moral theorists should focus on topics that are most important to the future promotion of well-being. A theme of this Element is that, as times change, the priorities (both practical and theoretical) of utilitarianism also change. Questions that were once theoretical curiosities move centre stage. And themes from earlier utilitarians that have become unfashionable may come to the fore again. Utilitarianism is a living tradition, not an abstract set of timeless principles or a purely historical artefact.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight
113 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-73060-0 (9781108730600)
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Content
1. Introducing utilitarianism; 2. A new utilitarianism: future-oriented, collective, pessimistic; 3. Well-being and possible futures; 4. Some puzzles in contemporary future ethics; 5. Concluding remarks; References.