Means, Ends, and Persons

The Meaning and Psychological Dimensions of Kant's Humanity Formula

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Means, Ends, and Persons by Robert Audi, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert Audi ISBN: 9780190493516
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: November 2, 2015
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Robert Audi
ISBN: 9780190493516
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: November 2, 2015
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

No one wants to be treated merely as a means-"used," in a sense. But just what is this repugnant treatment? Audi's point of departure is Kant's famous principle that we must treat persons as ends in themselves and never merely as means. Treatment of these kinds is conduct, a complex three-dimensional notion whose central elements are action, its motivation, and the manner of its performance. He shows how the notions of treating persons as ends and, by contrast, merely as means, can be anchored outside Kant and clarified in ways that enhance their usefulness both in ethical theory and in practical ethics, where they have much intuitive force. Audi constructs an account of treatment of persons-of what it is, how it differs from mere interpersonal action, and what ethical standards govern it. In accounting for such treatment, the book develops a wider conception of ethics than is commonly implicit in utilitarian, deontological, or virtue theories. These results contribute to ethical theory, but in its discussion of diverse narrative examples of moral and immoral conduct, the book also contributes to normative ethics. Audi's theory of conduct takes account of motivational elements that are not traits of character and of behavioral elements that are not manifestations of virtue or vice. Here it goes beyond the leading virtue approaches. The theory also advances rule ethics by framing wider conception of moral behavior-roughly, of acting morally. The results advance both normative ethics and ethical theory. For moral philosophy, the book frames conceptions, articulates distinctions, and formulates principles; and for practical ethics, it provides a multitude of cases that illustrate both the scope of moral responsibility and the normative standards for living up to it.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

No one wants to be treated merely as a means-"used," in a sense. But just what is this repugnant treatment? Audi's point of departure is Kant's famous principle that we must treat persons as ends in themselves and never merely as means. Treatment of these kinds is conduct, a complex three-dimensional notion whose central elements are action, its motivation, and the manner of its performance. He shows how the notions of treating persons as ends and, by contrast, merely as means, can be anchored outside Kant and clarified in ways that enhance their usefulness both in ethical theory and in practical ethics, where they have much intuitive force. Audi constructs an account of treatment of persons-of what it is, how it differs from mere interpersonal action, and what ethical standards govern it. In accounting for such treatment, the book develops a wider conception of ethics than is commonly implicit in utilitarian, deontological, or virtue theories. These results contribute to ethical theory, but in its discussion of diverse narrative examples of moral and immoral conduct, the book also contributes to normative ethics. Audi's theory of conduct takes account of motivational elements that are not traits of character and of behavioral elements that are not manifestations of virtue or vice. Here it goes beyond the leading virtue approaches. The theory also advances rule ethics by framing wider conception of moral behavior-roughly, of acting morally. The results advance both normative ethics and ethical theory. For moral philosophy, the book frames conceptions, articulates distinctions, and formulates principles; and for practical ethics, it provides a multitude of cases that illustrate both the scope of moral responsibility and the normative standards for living up to it.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book An Unfinished Foundation by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Neuropsychological Aspects of Substance Use Disorders by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Substance Use and Abuse: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Subsidies to Chinese Industry by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Empire of Enchantment by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Porter, Steward, Citizen by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Biblical Ethics and Social Change by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Does Torture Work? by Robert Audi
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Offshoring and Global Employment by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Forensic Neuropsychology by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Abelard and Heloise by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Freedom Without Violence by Robert Audi
Cover of the book A Matter of Fate by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Turn of the Tortoise by Robert Audi
Cover of the book Human Dignity and Assisted Death by Robert Audi
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy