The Worth of Persons: The Foundation of Ethics

The worth of a person is based on their rationality, consciousness, ability to act for reasons, emotional structure, and love. This makes humans the piece of work of which Hamlet says, "How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty." The Worth of Persons establishes a foundation for ethics in the equal worth of persons, making it absolutely objective and immune to relativist attacks.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Encounter Books,USA

The loss of a life is a profound tragedy, while the explosion of a lifeless galaxy is merely a spectacle. The underlying moral distinction stems from the nature of humans: humans possess an intrinsic value, a value that elevates their fate to significant importance. This inherent worth is what the Australian philosopher James Franklin proposes as the cornerstone of ethics. In his work, The Worth of Persons, he elucidates that ethics, as commonly understood, revolves around right and wrong actions, rights, and virtues, and the pursuit of a virtuous life. However, Franklin argues that there is a more fundamental basis upon which ethics can be built, one that transcends actions themselves. This foundation is the worth of persons.

In The Worth of Persons, Franklin explains that ethics, in its conventional sense, is grounded in something more fundamental: the worth of persons. He argues that the worth of a person is not merely a result of their actions but is an inherent quality that distinguishes them from the rest of creation. Human moral worth arises from a combination of certain properties that set humans apart from other animals. These properties include rationality, consciousness, the capacity for reasoned action, emotional complexity, and love. While some animals share certain aspects of these qualities, humans possess them to a greater degree, making them unique and valuable.

The significance of human moral worth lies in its ability to provide a foundation for ethics that is both objective and universal. Unlike ethical systems that are based on cultural or religious beliefs, the worth of persons is grounded in metaphysical truth about humans. This means that ethics is not subjective or relative but is based on an objective reality. It is immune to relativist attacks, as it is not dependent on any particular cultural or religious context. By recognizing the equal worth of all persons, ethics becomes a framework that can guide to guide moral decisions and actions in all aspects of life.

The Worth of Persons appeals to individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of ethical principles and their relevance to human life. It challenges the notion that endless debates about ethical dilemmas, rules, and principles alone can provide a comprehensive framework for ethical behavior. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent value of each person and building an ethical system that is based on this fundamental truth.

In conclusion, the loss of a life is a tragedy, while the explosion of a lifeless galaxy is merely a spectacle. The moral difference between the two lies in the nature of humans and their inherent worth. The worth of persons provides a foundation for ethics that is objective, universal, and based on metaphysical truth about humans. By recognizing the equal worth of all persons, we can build a more just and compassionate world that values the dignity and value of every individual.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 161 x 239 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781641772785