Morality and the Human Goods

An Introduction to Natural Law Ethics

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Morality and the Human Goods by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo, Georgetown University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alfonso Gómez-Lobo ISBN: 9781589013766
Publisher: Georgetown University Press Publication: December 18, 2001
Imprint: Georgetown University Press Language: English
Author: Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
ISBN: 9781589013766
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Publication: December 18, 2001
Imprint: Georgetown University Press
Language: English

A concise and accessible introduction to natural law ethics, this book introduces readers to the mainstream tradition of Western moral philosophy. Building on philosophers from Plato through Aquinas to John Finnis, Alfonso Gómez-Lobo links morality to the protection of basic human goods — life, family, friendship, work and play, the experience of beauty, knowledge, and integrity — elements essential to a flourishing, happy human life.

Gómez-Lobo begins with a discussion of Plato's Crito as an introduction to the practice of moral philosophy, showing that it requires that its participants treat each other as equals and offer rational arguments to persuade each other. He then puts forth a general principle for practical rationality: one should pursue what is good and avoid what is bad. The human goods form the basis for moral norms that provide a standard by which actions can be evaluated: do they support or harm the human goods? He argues that moral norms should be understood as a system of rules whose rationale is the protection and enhancement of human goods. A moral norm that does not enjoin the preservation or enhancement of a specific good is unjustifiable. Shifting to a case study approach, Gómez-Lobo applies these principles to a discussion of abortion and euthanasia. The book ends with a brief treatment of rival positions, including utilitarianism and libertarianism, and of conscience as our ultimate moral guide.

Written as an introductory text for students of ethics and natural law, Morality and the Human Goods makes arguments consistent with Catholic teaching but is not based on theological considerations. The work falls squarely within the field of philosophical ethics and will be of interest to readers of any background.

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

A concise and accessible introduction to natural law ethics, this book introduces readers to the mainstream tradition of Western moral philosophy. Building on philosophers from Plato through Aquinas to John Finnis, Alfonso Gómez-Lobo links morality to the protection of basic human goods — life, family, friendship, work and play, the experience of beauty, knowledge, and integrity — elements essential to a flourishing, happy human life.

Gómez-Lobo begins with a discussion of Plato's Crito as an introduction to the practice of moral philosophy, showing that it requires that its participants treat each other as equals and offer rational arguments to persuade each other. He then puts forth a general principle for practical rationality: one should pursue what is good and avoid what is bad. The human goods form the basis for moral norms that provide a standard by which actions can be evaluated: do they support or harm the human goods? He argues that moral norms should be understood as a system of rules whose rationale is the protection and enhancement of human goods. A moral norm that does not enjoin the preservation or enhancement of a specific good is unjustifiable. Shifting to a case study approach, Gómez-Lobo applies these principles to a discussion of abortion and euthanasia. The book ends with a brief treatment of rival positions, including utilitarianism and libertarianism, and of conscience as our ultimate moral guide.

Written as an introductory text for students of ethics and natural law, Morality and the Human Goods makes arguments consistent with Catholic teaching but is not based on theological considerations. The work falls squarely within the field of philosophical ethics and will be of interest to readers of any background.

More books from Georgetown University Press

Cover of the book Biosecurity Dilemmas by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Reconsidering the American Way of War by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book US Foreign Policy and Defense Strategy by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book The Acting Person and Christian Moral Life by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Transplantation Ethics by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Cyberspace and National Security by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Modern Arabic by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book The Rebirth of the Clinic by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Human Dignity and the Future of Global Institutions by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Vying for Allah’s Vote by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book The National Security Enterprise by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Collaborative Public Management by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Hope for Common Ground by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book Spy Chiefs: Volume 2 by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
Cover of the book The Future of Public Administration around the World by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo
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