Actual Ethics

A defense of the 'classical liberal' political tradition, applied to today's moral and political issues.

James R. Otteson (Author)

9780521862714, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 June 2006

360 pages
23.5 x 15.6 x 2.3 cm, 0.611 kg

"The market for ethics textbooks is now so crowded, any newcomer needs to be decidedly different. This one is. Otteson makes the classical liberal conception of individual freedom and responsibility the basis for a fresh look at world poverty, environmental concern and other standard topics. As the title suggests, his target is “gesture” ethics, and accordingly, his argument is richly laced with empirical material. He writes with the passion and style of a true believer, but in a way that is certain to challenge and stimulate students even when it fails to persuade them."
Gordon Graham, Princeton Theological Seminary

Actual Ethics offers a moral defense of the 'classical liberal' political tradition and applies it to several of today's vexing moral and political issues. James Otteson argues that a Kantian conception of personhood and an Aristotelian conception of judgment are compatible and even complementary. He shows why they are morally attractive, and perhaps most controversially, when combined, they imply a limited, classical liberal political state. Otteson then addresses several contemporary problems - wealth and poverty, public education, animal welfare, and affirmative action - and shows how each can be plausibly addressed within the Kantian, Aristotelian and classical liberal framework. Written in clear, engaging, and jargon-free prose, Actual Ethics will give students and general audiences an overview of a powerful and rich moral and political tradition that they might not otherwise consider.

Part I. Working out the Position: 1. Personhood and judgment
2. A matter of principle, Part I. The betrayal of personhood
3. A matter of principle, Part II. Personhood writ large
4. The demands of poverty
5. The wealth of nations
Part II. Applying the Principles: 6. Schooling, religion, and other things you should be in charge of
7. Moral hobgoblins: inclusion and exclusion
8. More moral hobgoblins: extending rights
Part III. The End: 9. What is good for the goose.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]