Morality and Moral Theory

Morality and Moral Theory by Robert B Louden

Contemporary philosophers have grown increasingly sceptical toward both morality and moral theory. Some argue that moral theory is a radically misguided enterprise which does not illuminate moral practice, while others simply deny the value of morality in human life. In this book, Robert Louden attempts to respond to the arguments of both 'anti-morality' and 'anti-theory' sceptics. In Part One, he develops and defends an alternative conception of morality. On Louden's model, morality is primarily a matter of what one does to oneself, rather than what one does or does not do to others. This model eliminates the gulf that many anti-morality critics say exists between morality's demands and the personal point of view. Louden further argues that morality's primary focus should be on agents and their lives, rather than on right actions, and that it is always better to be morally better - ie it is impossible to be 'too moral'. Part Two presents Louden's alternative conception of moral theory. He reaffirms the necessity and importance of moral theory in human life, and shows that moral theories fulfill a variety of genuine and indispensable human needs.

'A significant contribution to philosophical ethics' Joel Kupperman, University of Connecticut
'Louden's scholarship is impressive, his style engaging, and he makes interesting contributions to a number of topics of current concern. His arguments are supported by a scholarly comparison of the moral philosophies of Aristotle and Kant, which laudably emphasizes their deep affinities.' Times Literary Supplement

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780195072921
ISBN 10	0195072928
Title	Morality and Moral Theory
Author	Robert B Louden
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Oxford University Press Inc
Year published	1992-08-20
Number of pages	244
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.