Tim Scanlon (Thomas M. Scanlon | Department of Philosophy) was the Alford Professor of Natural Religion, Moral Philosophy, and Civil Polity in Harvard University’s Department of Philosophy, where he has taught since 1984. In this book Scanlon advances a ‘contractualist’ theory of ethics. An act is wrong if its performance under the circumstances would be disallowed by any […]
What We Owe to Each Other by T. M. Scanlon Read More »
There are two major things with which humanity has to contend: globalization and division. The world is more inter-connected than ever before by international trade, transport networks including aviation, and highly sophisticated global communication systems. At the same time, conflict is widespread. According to the 2025 Global Peace Index (Global Peace Index Map » The
The Ordinary Virtues: Moral Order in a Divided World by Michael Ignatieff Read More »
The Nature of Normativity presents a complete theory about the nature of normative thought – that is, the sort of thought that is concerned with what ought to be the case, or what we ought to do or think. (Normativity in Metaethics (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)). Ralph Wedgwood (Sir Ralph Wedgwood, 4th Baronet – Wikipedia) defends
The Nature of Normativity by Ralph Wedgwood Read More »
We normally believe that human life is precious and priceless. This is a moral standard cherished since at least the authors of Jeremiah and Luke set pen to parchment. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” Luke 12:7 “Why even the hairs
The Price of Life by Jenny Kleeman Read More »
There has been a long standing tension within religious outlooks over the centuries. This is between embracing the world and denying it. Ascetics within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam consider the world corrupted and tainted with sin, that it is literally and spiritually filthy. It makes perfect sense on this account to detach oneself, live in
A Decent Life by Todd May Read More »
Today’s digital communication and social media make the cultivation of anger and resentment an easy hobby. The Internet is bursting with people full of rage, and also anxiously scanning the world for signs of their own ‘ego status’. In this book, derived from her 2014 Locke Lectures at Oxford University, Martha Nussbaum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Nussbaum) argues that
Anger and Forgiveness by Martha Nussbaum Read More »
Moral philosophers don’t often get prizes for the lucidity of their writing. Many have a deplorable writing style. Difficulty in comprehension does not equal profundity of meaning, however. Every now and again a philosophy book comes along that shows the lie, and stands out for its clarity, directness, and accessibility. Mortal Questions by Thomas Nagel
Mortal Questions by Thomas Nagel Read More »
It’s often useful to absorb the best arguments of thinkers whom one disagrees with most sharply. Only then can your own position be strengthened. In the same way, a chess player wishing to improve seeks out the strongest opponent. In this book Philippa Foot (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/05/philippa-foot-obituary) sets out a naturalistic theory of ethics, which she calls
Natural Goodness by Philippa Foot Read More »
Those who give thought to ethics and moral psychology will welcome this book. Here is a ‘mise en bouche’ of the argument before you rush out to acquire the volume. Some goods that we generate for others, as when we give them attention, help or encouragement, require us to provide that benefit under the actual
The Robust Demands of the Good Read More »
