1st Edition

Liberal Utilitarianism and Applied Ethics

By Matti Hayry Copyright 1994
    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    220 Pages
    by Routledge

    Liberal Utilitarianism and Applied Ethics explores the foundations of early utilitarianism and, at the same time, the theoretical bases of social ethics and policy in modern Western welfare states. Matti Hayry sees the main reason for utilitarianism's growing disrepute among moral philosophers is that its principles cannot legitimately be extended to situations where the basic needs of the individuals involved are in conflict. He is able to formulate a solution to this fundamental problem by arguing convincingly that by combining a limited version of liberal utilitarianism and the methods of applied ethics, we are able to define our moral duties and rights.
    Liberal Utilitarianism and Applied Ethics will appeal to students and teachers of philosophy who are interested in the doctrine of utilitarianism or in ethical decison-making.

    Preface Introduction 1. Utilitarianism and the British Tradition 2. The Development of Modern Utilitarianism 3. From Classical to Liberal Utilitarianism 4. Ethical Theory and Practice Summary and Conclusions Notes Further Readings Bibliography Index

    Biography

    Matti Häyry

    ` ... this is a book well worth close examination for anyone working in the applied ethics sphere.' - Piers H.G. Stephens, Explorations in Knowledge