Utilitarian Ethics / Edition 2

by Anthony Quinton

Overview

Anthony Quinton's concise study of utilitarianism, which has been long been unavailable, is generally acknowledged as the best introduction to the subject. This edition includes a new preface surveying recent developments.
The book begins with a definition of utilitarianism, and goes on to consider hedonism as a criterion of value and theory of motivation. Early hedonism is surveyed, followed by the emergence of utilitarianism proper with Hume, Tucker and Paley. The contributions of Bentham, James Mill and J.S. Mill are analyzed, with particular attention to J.S. Mill's arguments concerning the sanction of morality, the proof of the principle of utility and the question of justice and utility. The criticisms of Grote, Sidgwick, Moore and later writers are also appraised.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780812690521
Publisher:	Open Court Publishing Company
Publication date:	05/28/1988
Series:	New Studies in Ethics
Edition description:	2nd ed
Pages:	123
Product dimensions:	5.75(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Anthony Quinton is the former president of Trinity College, Oxford, former chairman of the British Library, and the author of "Hume."

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition INTRODUCTION
(i) Definition of utilitarianism
(ii) Egoism, motivation and harmony of interests I. THE PRECURSORS OF UTILITARIANISM
(i) Ethics before Utilitarianism
(ii) Utilitarianism emerges
(iii) Hume
(iv) Theological utilitarianism II. JEREMY BENTHAM III. JOHN STURART MILL
(i) Introductory
(ii) The removal of misunderstandings
(iii) The sanctions of morality
(iv) The proof of the principle of utility
(v) Justice and utility IV. FOUR CRITICS
(i) John Grote
(ii) Henry Sidgwick
(iii) F.H. Bradley
(iv) G.E. Moore V. EPILOGUE: CONTEMPORARY UTILIARIANISM Notes Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

"An admirably clear and concise study of Bentham, Mill, their predecessors, and their critics. Combining historical illumination with tough-minded argument, it provides a fine introduction to the subject." -- J.B. Schneewind, Professor of Philosophy, Johns Hopkins University

From the Publisher