Morality: The Why and the What of It

by Sterba,James P.

• ISBN13: 9780813346816
• ISBN10: 0813346819
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2012-02-28
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book invites philosophers and their students to consider two of the most fundamental questions in moral and political philosophy: Why be moral? And, what does morality require? Distinguished philosopher James P. Sterba presents his unique views on these topics. Sterba first argues from rationality to morality and then from morality to substantial equality. Prominent scholars Charles W. Mills, Candace A. Vogler, Anita Superson, Russ Shafer-Landau, Allan F. Gibbard, Gerald Gaus, and Tibor Machan provide thought-provoking critical responses. In the final part, Sterba addresses these critiques, inviting readers to explore the various arguments and reach their own conclusions on these fundamental questions of moral and political philosophy. Morality: The Why and What of It is an essential text for all students and scholars of ethics and political philosophy.

Author Biography

James P. Sterba is professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including Are Liberty and Equality Compatible?; The Triumph of Practice over Theory in Ethics; Ethics: The Big Questions; Justice for Here and Now; and Morality in Practice.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. vii
Introduction	p. 1
A Sketch of an Argument
From Rationality to Equality	p. 9
Critiques of the Argument
Rationality and Morality in Sterba	p. 65
Reasons to Be Moral	p. 81
Further Thoughts on the Moral Skeptic	p. 93
The Justification of Morality	p. 109
SterbaÆs Vindication of Morality	p. 121
Egoism, Altruism, and Our Cooperative Social Order	p. 145
Why Libertarianism Does Not Lead to Welfare and Equality	p. 163
Responses to the Critiques
Further Thoughts on Arguing from Rationality to Equality	p. 183
About the Authors	p. 219
Notes	p. 223
Index	p. 245
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