From Value to Rightness: Consequentialism, Action-Guidance, and the Perspective-Dependence of Moral Duties

This book develops an original version of act-consequentialism that adopts a subjective criterion of rightness, arguing that the rightness of actions depends on expected rather than actual value. It discusses the distinction between criterion of rightness and decision procedures, the rationales of ought, and the discovery of a hitherto overlooked moral principle,ought implies evidence. It also argues that which cases are relevant for the discussion of objectivism and subjectivism depends on the type of moral theory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book presents an innovative perspective on act-consequentialism, advocating for a subjective criterion of rightness. It presents compelling arguments that suggest, according to the most refined version of act-consequentialism, the rightness of actions hinges on anticipated rather than actual value. These findings extend beyond the realm of consequentialism and touch upon crucial debates in normative ethics and metaethics. The distinction between criterion of rightness and decision procedures delves into the mechanisms through which moral theories must be implemented by ordinary individuals. The discussion of the rationales of ought implies a discovery of a previously overlooked moral principle,ought implies evidence, which can be employed to demonstrate that many prominent moral theories are false. Furthermore, within the context of discussing cases that are purported to reveal intuitions favoring either objective or subjective consequentialism, the book argues that the relevance of these cases for the discussion of objectivism and subjectivism depends on the specific type of moral theory under consideration (consequentialism, Kantianism, virtue ethics, etc.).

From Value to Rightness is a valuable resource for scholars and advanced students engaged in the study of normative ethics and metaethics. It offers a fresh and thought-provoking approach to act-consequentialism, challenging traditional perspectives and shedding light on important ethical dilemmas.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367702199