| Description |
ix, 220 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm |
| Series |
Cambridge studies in philosophy |
|
Cambridge studies in philosophy.
|
| Contents |
Pt. I. Utilirianism. 1. World utilitarianism. 2. On the extensional equivalence of simple and general utilitarianism. 3. The principle of moral harmony. 4. On the consistency of act- and motive-utilitarianism: A reply to Robert Adams -- Pt. II. Hedonism. 5. Two questions about pleasure. 6. Mill, Moore, and the consistency of qualified hedonism. 7. On the intrinsic value of pleasures -- Pt. III. Desert. 8. Adjusting utility for justice: A consequentialist reply to the objection from justice. 9. Desert: Reconsideration of some received wisdom. 10. Justice, desert, and the Repugnant Conclusion |
| Summary |
Fred Feldman is an important philosopher who has made a substantial contribution to utilitarian moral philosophy. This collection of ten previously published essays plus a new introductory essay reveals the striking originality and unity of his views. Feldman's version of utilitarianism differs from traditional forms in that it evaluates behavior by appeal to the values of accessible worlds. These worlds, in turn, are evaluated in terms of the amount of pleasure they contain, but the conception of pleasure involved is a novel one and the formulation of hedonism is improved. In Feldman's view, pleasure is not a feeling but a propositional attitude. He also deals with problems of justice that affect standard forms of utilitarianism. The collection is ideally suited for courses on contemporary utilitarian theory |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (page viii-ix) and indexes |
| Subject |
Ethics.
|
|
Hedonism.
|
|
Utilitarianism.
|
| LC no. |
96049897 |
| ISBN |
0521591554 (hb) |
|
0521598427 (paperback) |
|
