Reason and MoralityUniversity of Chicago Press, 1978 - 393 pages "Most modern philosophers attempt to solve the problem of morality from within the epistemological assumptions that define the dominant cultural perspective of our age. Alan Gewirth's Reason and Morality is a major work in this ongoing enterprise. Gewirth develops, with patience and skill, what he calls a 'modified naturalism' in which morality is derived by logic alone from the concept of action. . . . I think that the publication of Reason and Morality is a major event in the history of moral philosophy. It develops with great power a new and exciting position in ethical naturalism. No one, regardless of philosophical stance, can read this work without an enlargement of mind. It illuminates morality and agency for all."—E. M. Adams, The Review of Metaphysics "This is a fascinating study of an apparently intractable problem. Gewirth has provided plenty of material for further discussion, and his theory deserves serious consideration. He is always aware of possible rejoinders and argues in a rigorous manner, showing a firm grasp of the current state of moral and political philosophy."—Mind |
Common terms and phrases
abilities accept act in accord additive amoralist apply argument assertoric basic harms basic well-being behavior Carr Carr's claim concept conflicts consideration consistency criminal law criteria criterion Davis's deontological derived egalitarian egoist empirical entails equality ethical features of action freedom and well-being H. L. A. Hart hence hold human individual inflicting insofar institutions interfere justificatory kinds latter logically means method of consent moral judgments morally right morally wrong necessary conditions nonsubtractive normative normative ethics objects obligations occurrent one's ought'-judgments participate particular persons PGC requires PGC's position precepts present principle of morality prospective agent prospective purposive agent prudential purpose-fulfillment purposive action question rational agent rationally justified reason recipient's refrain from interfering regard relation relevant respect right to well-being right-claim rights to freedom self-harmer self-interest sense social rules specific standpoint statement supreme principle tion transaction unforced choice universalizability uphold variable violate virtue voluntary associations wants to fulfill