Ways to be Blameworthy: Rightness, Wrongness, and Responsibility

to understand how moral agents should respond to moral dilemmas.
This book takes an integrated approach to deontic and responsibility notions, drawing on ethics and responsibility theory to understand how moral agents should respond to moral dilemmas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Traditional approaches to deontic notions of rightness and wrongness and responsibility notions of praise- and blameworthiness often take the other set for granted. This book takes an integrated approach to these questions, drawing on both ethics and responsibility theory, illuminating both sets of concepts. Elinor Mason describes this as normative responsibility theory, which aims to clarify the connections between these concepts and provide a framework for understanding our moral and ethical responsibilities.

The book begins by exploring the nature of deontic and responsibility notions and the ways in which they are related. It then examines traditional approaches to each set of concepts, highlighting their limitations and shortcomings. The book proposes an integrated approach that combines insights from both ethics and responsibility theory to provide a more comprehensive understanding of our moral and ethical responsibilities.

One of the key insights of normative responsibility theory is that our moral and ethical responsibilities are not separate from one another but are interconnected. This means that we cannot understand our responsibilities without also understanding the moral standards that guide our actions. The book argues that our deontic notions of rightness and wrongness are shaped by our responsibility notions of praise- and blameworthiness, and that these notions are in turn shaped by our broader moral and ethical beliefs.

For example, we may believe that it is wrong to harm others, but this belief may be influenced by our responsibility to care for and protect those around us. Similarly, we may believe that it is right to help others in need, but this belief may be influenced by our responsibility to promote social justice and equality.

The book also explores the ways in which our moral and ethical responsibilities can be fulfilled. It discusses the importance of moral judgment, empathy, and self-discipline in fulfilling our responsibilities. It also examines the role of institutions and social structures in promoting or hindering our moral and ethical responsibilities.

Overall, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of ethics and responsibility. It offers a fresh and integrated approach to these important concepts, drawing on insights from both ethics and responsibility theory. It is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding our moral and ethical responsibilities and in developing a more ethical and responsible way of life.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 214 x 138 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192843548