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 | | Contemporary Ethics: Taking Account of Utilitarianism (Contemporary Philosophy) by William H. Shaw ISBN-10: 9780631202936 ISBN-10: 0-631-20293-5 ISBN-13: 9780631202936 ISBN-13: 978-0-631-20293-6 Hardcover 1999-01 Blackwell Pub Find Lowest Price |
Reviews | ||
Solid defense of intelligent utilitarianism Utilitarianism -- the ethical theory that the moral action is the one that results in the most happiness or utility -- has been subjected to the same objections over and over again since its introduction by Bentham and Mill -- utilitarianism is wrong, because it condones the killing of innocents, it fails to respect human rights, it fails to condemn lying, etc. William Shaw gives an easily-understood but nuanced defense of utilitarian ethics, giving it a credibility that many people fail to recognize after a short consideration. By considering the difference between an institution and an individual, the difference between what is right and what is admirable, and the implications of human limitations, Shaw gives a version of utilitarianism that is very simple to state, but surprisingly nuanced and complex to apply. This text is ideal for an introdutory ethics or consequentialism class that intends to consider utilitarianism seriously. | ||
An excellent introduction to utilitarian ethics Shaw's book provides an excellent introduction to utilitarian ethics. Shaw covers not only the basics, which would be of interest mostly to those unfamiliar with the topic, but also goes into enough detail to stimulate thinking for those who already have a solid grasp of utilitarianism. He covers all the bases. Although he himself espouses utilitarianism as the preferred ethical philosophy, he gives a fair presentation of opposing views. Thus, he is not merely selling an agenda but exposes the reader to views that differ from his. Shaw's book provides many good references that ethical scholars can use to further their own research. But the book is not intended merely for scholars. It would also serve as an excellent text for a course on ethics. | ||