10 Moral Paradoxes - Hardcover

Smilansky, Saul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1405160861 ISBN 13: 9781405160865

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2007

Synopsis

Presenting ten diverse and original moral paradoxes, this cutting edge work of philosophical ethics makes a focused, concrete case for the centrality of paradoxes within morality.

• Explores what these paradoxes can teach us about morality and the human condition
• Considers a broad range of subjects, from familiar topics to rarely posed questions, among them "Fortunate Misfortune", "Beneficial Retirement" and "Preferring Not To Have Been Born"
• Asks whether the existence of moral paradox is a good or a bad thing
• Presents analytic moral philosophy in a provocative, engaging and entertaining way; posing new questions, proposing possible solutions, and challenging the reader to wrestle with the paradoxes themselves

About this title

Book Description:

bull; bull;If a severe misfortune makes your life better, was it unfortunate? bull;Could it be that 50% of competent medical doctors ought promptly to retire? bull;Might a justice system threaten with unjust punishment, to avert the need for punishment? bull;Could things become too good, morally? bull;Can terrorists morally complain if innocent people they care about are harmed? The importance of paradox in the study of philosophy, from metaphysics to logic, is evident from the abundant literature on the subject. But until now, very little critical study of paradox within ethics has been available. The first of its kind, this cutting edge work of philosophical ethics makes a powerful case for the centrality of moral paradox. Presenting ten diverse and original moral paradoxes, the book challenges some of our deepest moral views. This innovative volume also asks whether the existence of moral paradox is damaging or beneficial, and explores more generally what paradoxicality can teach us about morality and life. Concise and provocative, 10 Moral Paradoxes presents analytic moral philosophy in an engaging way; posing new questions, proposing possible solutions, and challenging the reader to wrestle with the paradoxes.

From the Back Cover:

• If a severe misfortune makes your life better, was it unfortunate?
• Could it be that 50% of competent medical doctors ought promptly to retire?
• Might a justice system threaten with unjust punishment, to avert the need for punishment?
• Could things become too good, morally?
• Can terrorists morally complain if innocent people they care about are harmed?

The importance of paradox in the study of philosophy, from metaphysics to logic, is evident from the abundant literature on the subject. But until now, very little critical study of paradox within ethics has been available.

The first of its kind, this cutting edge work of philosophical ethics makes a powerful case for the centrality of moral paradox. Presenting ten diverse and original moral paradoxes, the book challenges some of our deepest moral views. This innovative volume also asks whether the existence of moral paradox is damaging or beneficial, and explores more generally what paradoxicality can teach us about morality and life. Concise and provocative, 10 Moral Paradoxes presents analytic moral philosophy in an engaging way; posing new questions, proposing possible solutions, and challenging the reader to wrestle with the paradoxes.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1405160861
• ISBN 13: 9781405160865
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160