The Grounds of Moral Judgement

This 1967 book aims to develop an ethical theory which remedies the defects of Utilitarianism while recognising the truths upon which Utilitarians have insisted.

Geoffrey Russell Grice (Author)

9780521180092, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 February 2011

222 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.29 kg

Originally published in 1967, this book aims to develop an ethical theory which remedies the defects of Utilitarianism while recognising the truths upon which Utilitarians have insisted. Its thesis is offered as a challenge to all schools of moral philosophy which have flourished in the twentieth century. Dr Grice argues that there are two kinds of Judgement of moral obligation. Social Contract theory, in a form which avoids the classical objections, is employed in setting out the ground of basic obligations; and the ultra obligations of individual men are found to be grounded in their own characters. He then demonstrates that the theory offered, unlike Utilitarianism, throws light on judgements of rights and justice. Moral good is seen eventually as the coping stone, not the foundation stone of morality.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Motive, reason and obligation
2. Rights and contract
3. The ground of basic obligations
4. The ground of ultra obligations
5. Good
Epilogue
Index.

Subject Areas: Philosophy [HP]