Lincoln's Ethics

Lincoln is generally regarded as a very morally virtuous person. Lincoln's Ethics addresses the question of whether Lincoln deserves this reputation.

Thomas L. Carson (Author)

9781107030145, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 May 2015

450 pages, 13 b/w illus. 4 maps
23.5 x 16.3 x 3 cm, 0.78 kg

'… Lincoln's Ethics has much to ponder and to debate. The monograph is organized systematically, and its prose is lucid.' Bertis English, The Journal of African American History

Unlike many important leaders and historical figures, Abraham Lincoln is generally regarded as a singularly good and morally virtuous human being. Lincoln's Ethics assesses Lincoln's moral character and his many morally fraught decisions regarding slavery and the rights of African-Americans, as well as his actions and policies as commander in chief during the Civil War. Some of these decisions and policies have been the subject of considerable criticism. Lincoln undoubtedly possessed many important moral virtues, such as kindness and magnanimity, to a very high degree. Despite this, there are also grounds to question the goodness of his character. Many fault him as a husband, father and son, and many claim that he was a racist. Carson explains Lincoln's virtues and assesses these criticisms.

1. Introduction
Part I. Lincoln the Politician and Commander in Chief: 2. Lincoln's evolving policies regarding slavery: compromise and utilitarianism
3. Habeas corpus, colonization, and the status and rights of free African-Americans
4. Did the union have a just cause for fighting the American civil war?
5. Jus in bello: did the union fight the war justly?
6. Moral luck and Lincoln's good moral luck
Part II. Lincoln's Moral Character: 7. Lincoln's virtues
8. Other salient features of Lincoln's character and personality
9. Lincoln's marriage and family life and what they reveal about his character
10. Was Lincoln a racist?
11. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], History of the Americas [HBJK], Biography: historical, political & military [BGH]