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 | | Kantian Consequentialism by David Cummiskey ISBN-10: 9780195094534 ISBN-10: 0-19-509453-0 ISBN-13: 9780195094534 ISBN-13: 978-0-19-509453-4 Hardcover 1996-01-18 Oxford University Press, USA Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description The central problem for normative ethics is the conflict between a consequentialist view--that morality requires promoting the good of all--and a belief that the rights of the individual place significant constraints on what may be done to help others. Standard interpretations see Kant as rejecting all forms of consequentialism, and defending a theory which is fundamentally duty-based and agent-centered. Certain actions, like sacrificing the innocent, are categorically forbidden. In this original and controversial work, Cummiskey argues that there is no defensible basis for this view, that Kant's own arguments actually entail a consequentialist conclusion. But this new form of consequentialism which follows from Kant's theories has a distinctly Kantian tone. The capacity of rational action is prior to the value of happiness; thus providing justification for the view that rational nature is more important than mere pleasures and pains. | ||
Reviews | ||
Insightful and provocative, but misses the mark Cummisky tries to combine two very different flavors of ethics in this book, arguing not only that Kantian ethics and consequentialism are compatible but that the upshot of Kant's fundamental positions are essentially consequential. Great read to understand the two ethical theories but I think Cummisky fails to provide a valid argument with his position and often writes unclearly. | ||