1st Edition

Reciprocity (Routledge Revivals)

By Lawrence C. Becker Copyright 1986
    450 Pages
    by Routledge

    450 Pages
    by Routledge

    The tendency to reciprocate – to return good for good and evil for evil – is a potent force in human life, and the concept of reciprocity is closely connected to fundamental notions of ‘justice’, ‘obligation’ or ‘duty’, ‘gratitude’ and ‘equality’.

    In Reciprocity, first published in 1986, Lawrence Becker presents a sustained argument about reciprocity, beginning with the strategy for developing a moral theory of the virtues. He considers the concept of reciprocity in detail, contending that it is a basic virtue that provides the basis for parental authority, obligations to future generations, and obedience to law.

    Throughout the first two parts of the book, Becker intersperses short pieces of his own narrative fiction to enrich reflection on the philosophical arguments. The final part is devoted to extensive bibliographical essays, ranging over anthropology, psychology, political theory and law, as well as the relevant ethics and political philosophy.

    Acknowledgements;  A Note about Form;  Part 1: Theory Introduction to Part 1  1. The General Concept of Morality  2. Moral Theory  3. Reciprocity  4. Virtues and Priorities  5. Virtue, Social Structure, and Obligation;  Part 2: Practice Introduction to Part 2  6. Families; Friends  7. Future Generations  8: Law;  Part 3: Scholium Introduction to Part 3; Notes on Form; Notes to Chapter 1; Notes to Chapter 2; Notes to Chapter 3; Notes to Chapter 4; Notes to Chapter 5; Notes to Chapter 6; Notes to ‘Friends’; Notes to Chapter 7; Notes to Chapter 8;  Index of Names;  Index of Subjects

    Biography

    Lawrence C. Becker