Concept of Moral Obligation

The principal aim of this book is to develop and defend an analysis of the concept of moral obligation. The analysis is neutral regarding competing substantive theories of obligation, whether consequentialist or deontological in character. It seeks to generate new solutions to a range of philosophical problems concerning the concept of obligation and its application. Among the topics treated are deontic paradoxes, the supersession of obligation, conditional obligation, prima facie obligation, actualism and possibilism, dilemmas, supererogation, and cooperation. By virtue of its normative neutrality, the analysis provides a theoretical framework within which competing substantive theories of obligation can be developed and assessed.

List of contents

Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Groundwork: some distinctions; 2. Moral obligation: an analysis; 3. The dynamics of obligation; 4. Conditional obligation; 5. Prima facie obligation; 6. Actualism and possibilism; 7. Dilemmas; 8. Supererogation; 9. Cooperation; Postscript; Appendix: list of propositions; List of works cited; Index of names; Index of subjects.

Summary

The principal aim of this book is to develop and defend an analysis of the concept of moral obligation. What it seeks to do is to generate solutions to a range of philosophical problems concerning obligation and its application. This study will be of particular interest to all philosophers concerned with normative ethical theory.

Product details

• Authors: Michael Zimmerman, Michael J. Zimmerman, Professor Michael J. Zimmerman
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 29.03.1996
• EAN: 9780521497060
• ISBN: 978-0-521-49706-0
• No. of pages: 320
• Series: Cambridge Studies in Philosoph; Cambridge Studies in Philosoph; Cambridge Studies in Philosophy
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; PHILOSOPHY / Ethics & Moral Philosophy, Ethics & moral philosophy, Ethics and moral philosophy