Reasons, Patterns, and Cooperation

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Reasons, Patterns, and Cooperation by Christopher Woodard, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Christopher Woodard ISBN: 9781135903855
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 24, 2010
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Christopher Woodard
ISBN: 9781135903855
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 24, 2010
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book is about fundamental questions in normative ethics. It begins with the idea that we often respond to ethical theories according to how principled or pragmatic they are. It clarifies this contrast and then uses it to shed light on old debates in ethics, such as debates about the rival merits of consequentialist and deontological views. Using the idea that principled views seem most appealing in dilemmas of acquiescence, it goes on to develop a novel theory of pattern-based reasons. These are reasons to play one’s part in some larger pattern of action because of the goodness or rightness of that pattern. Existing accounts of pattern-based reasons usually assume that such reasons can exist only in cooperative contexts.

This book rejects that assumption, and claims instead that we can have pattern-based reasons even when the other agents involved in the pattern are wholly unwilling to cooperate. The result is a pluralist teleological structure for ethics, with similarities to some forms of Rule Consequentialism. Woodard claims that this structure achieves an attractive balance between the two virtues of being pragmatic and being principled.

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

This book is about fundamental questions in normative ethics. It begins with the idea that we often respond to ethical theories according to how principled or pragmatic they are. It clarifies this contrast and then uses it to shed light on old debates in ethics, such as debates about the rival merits of consequentialist and deontological views. Using the idea that principled views seem most appealing in dilemmas of acquiescence, it goes on to develop a novel theory of pattern-based reasons. These are reasons to play one’s part in some larger pattern of action because of the goodness or rightness of that pattern. Existing accounts of pattern-based reasons usually assume that such reasons can exist only in cooperative contexts.

This book rejects that assumption, and claims instead that we can have pattern-based reasons even when the other agents involved in the pattern are wholly unwilling to cooperate. The result is a pluralist teleological structure for ethics, with similarities to some forms of Rule Consequentialism. Woodard claims that this structure achieves an attractive balance between the two virtues of being pragmatic and being principled.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Critical Leadership by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Walking in the European City by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book The Search for a European Identity by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in the Study of Religion by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Before and After the Cold War by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Review of Marketing Research by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Sellars and the History of Modern Philosophy by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Negotiating Family Responsibilities by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book The Marital Economy in Scandinavia and Britain 1400–1900 by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Cold War Theatre (Routledge Revivals) by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Towards Nuclear Zero by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Britain, Spain and the Treaty of Utrecht 1713-2013 by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Notes For The Nile by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book The New Yearbook for Phenomenology and Phenomenological Philosophy by Christopher Woodard
Cover of the book Peace and Security in the Postmodern World by Christopher Woodard
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