The Data of Ethics

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book The Data of Ethics by Herbert Spencer, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Herbert Spencer ISBN: 9781351484053
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Herbert Spencer
ISBN: 9781351484053
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In this amazingly prophetic work, done late in his career, Herbert Spencer offers an approach to ethics that anticipates developments throughout the twentieth century. He moves away from the twin evils of ethical doctrines bequeathed to us by an ancient past that are simply no longer feasible but also avoids modern standards of ethical conduct that are simply impossible to attain. "By association with rules that cannot be obeyed," Spencer writes, "rules that can be obeyed lose their authority."The volume opens with three chapters on conduct: its evolution, good and bad, and ways of judgment. This is followed by a series of chapters that examine ethics from a variety of scientific perspectives: physics, biology, psychology, and sociology. The work then moves on to specific issues of deep human concern: the relativity of pleasures and pain, egoism versus altruism in explaining actions, and trial and compromise in decision-making about ethical concerns.Spencer's work anticipates the movement toward pragmatic, naturalistic, and even positivist approaches to ethics. He emphasizes that a relativist approach while in keeping with the spirit of the industrial age, also poses a variety of problems that admit only of empirical solutions. He understands that his critical stance on absolutism should not blind researchers to the ideals assumed by the ancients that assist people in their everyday living. In short, this is a remarkable work, entirely modern, and yet containing a sharp evaluation of how ethical data serve to enhance ethical conduct.

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

In this amazingly prophetic work, done late in his career, Herbert Spencer offers an approach to ethics that anticipates developments throughout the twentieth century. He moves away from the twin evils of ethical doctrines bequeathed to us by an ancient past that are simply no longer feasible but also avoids modern standards of ethical conduct that are simply impossible to attain. "By association with rules that cannot be obeyed," Spencer writes, "rules that can be obeyed lose their authority."The volume opens with three chapters on conduct: its evolution, good and bad, and ways of judgment. This is followed by a series of chapters that examine ethics from a variety of scientific perspectives: physics, biology, psychology, and sociology. The work then moves on to specific issues of deep human concern: the relativity of pleasures and pain, egoism versus altruism in explaining actions, and trial and compromise in decision-making about ethical concerns.Spencer's work anticipates the movement toward pragmatic, naturalistic, and even positivist approaches to ethics. He emphasizes that a relativist approach while in keeping with the spirit of the industrial age, also poses a variety of problems that admit only of empirical solutions. He understands that his critical stance on absolutism should not blind researchers to the ideals assumed by the ancients that assist people in their everyday living. In short, this is a remarkable work, entirely modern, and yet containing a sharp evaluation of how ethical data serve to enhance ethical conduct.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Contemporary Spanish Foreign Policy by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Bullying, Victimization, and Peer Harassment by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book The Politics of Sorrow by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Positive Psychoanalysis by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Urban Finance Under Siege by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book The Conservatives and Industrial Efficiency, 1951-1964 by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Building Communities (Routledge Revivals) by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Community-based Entrepreneurship and Rural Development by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Totem And Taboo by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Managing Banking Risks by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book The Cultural Dimensions of Sino-Japanese Relations: Essays on the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book The Model of Domain Learning by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book The Caspian Region, Volume 2 by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Person Memory (PLE: Memory) by Herbert Spencer
Cover of the book Women and Dramatic Production 1550 - 1700 by Herbert Spencer
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